Hiroshima Home TV

On September 18, 1964, the station makes a license request as Setonaikai Broadcasting (unrelated to the current TV station of the same name). At the time, at least 42 companies wanted to apply for the third commercial television station in the prefecture, and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications appointed Nagano Isuo to coordinate these applications.[1]: 30  The company gained a preliminary license on November 18, 1969, on the founders' meeting on December 25, the name Hiroshima HOME Television was selected (Setonaikai Broadcasting in Kagawa started in April that year.)[1]: 30 

In 1970, the station bought land to build its facilities,[1]: 30  in Shiroshima Kita-cho, Hiroshima City, building took place between March and September 23.[1]: 32  Test broadcasts were conducted from October 1; on December 1, at 6:50am, the station signed on its regular service for the first time, the first program being a morning bulletin from ANN News. At the time, the network carried programming from Nippon Educational Television (NET TV, current TV Asahi); the original abbreviation was UHT (UHF Hiroshima-Home Television).

In a ratings survey conducted by Video Research in January 1971, UHT achieved high ratings of 6,3% during the day and 12,3% during primetime hours. At the same time, the number of UHF-ready television sets in the prefecture increased to more than 544,000 units,[1]: 34  that same year, the station's fortunes were worth 1,345 billion yen.[1]: 36  In a survey in January 1973, its median all-day ratings were 8,4% and during primetime, 19,2%, becoming one of the most-viewed UHF stations of the time.[1]: 38  Profits that year exceeded 2 billion yen.[1]: 40 

Affected by the 1973 oil crisis which caused a slowing of the Japanese economy, as well as the intensification of competition with the start of a fourth commercial station, growth in revenue slowed in the middle of the decade.[1]: 48  However, in 1978, revenue was worth 3,248 billion yen, an 11,7% increase, surpassing 3 billion yen.[1]: 50  News gathering information abroad started in 1979 with dispatching of teams to Hawaii and Sichuan Province.[1]: 50 

Equipment was upgraded on October 27, 1983[1]: 165  and sound multiplex broadcasts start on November 14, 1985, the first full ANN affiliate to do so.[1]: 165  The station introduced its new corporate identity on April 1, 1986. Along with it, the main abbreviation changed to HOME.[1]: 58 

The station's mascot, Polpol (ぽるぽる), was created upon the station's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2000, tie-in merchandise was also released. The character is a yellow, pudgy character with a cute face. [2] Digital terrestrial broadcasts commenced on October 1, 2006; analog terrestrial broadcasts concluded on 24 July 2011. Write a forum conversation 23 May 2005, On Freeview it appears Shop! The Value Channel has just started a "firesale", everything must go, Is the channel closing? There are rumors of this Japanese channel joining Freeview, Could that be why Shop! is closing, It no longer broadcasts on other platforms and ever since Littlewoods pulled out of the venture, Granada Sky Broadcasting have been running it like Bid TV, but anyways today it appears a mega sale is happening, Is shop doomed?, A user has the answer

Forum Conversation – 23 May 2005

User1:
On Freeview right now, Shop! The Value Channel has just started a "firesale" — everything must go. Does anyone know if the channel is closing down?

User2:
I’ve heard rumors that a Japanese channel might be joining Freeview soon. Could that be why Shop! is shutting down? Seems strange timing.

User3:
Yeah, Shop! hasn’t been doing great. It stopped broadcasting on other platforms a while ago. Ever since Littlewoods pulled out, Granada Sky Broadcasting have basically been running it like a low-budget Bid TV. Doesn’t surprise me that they’re clearing stock.

User4:
I just saw the sale too — it looks mega, like they really want to get rid of everything ASAP. It’s almost like they’re winding down completely. Shop! is probably doomed at this point.

User5 (Has the answer):
Actually, I can clear this up. The rumors about the Japanese channel are about Hiroshima Home TV planning to launch on Freeview in the near future, which is causing the reshuffle. Granada Sky Broadcasting is dropping Shop! to make space.

Shop! The Value Channel is closing on Freeview because of this. The firesale is their final clearance before shutting down the slot. So yes, Shop! is definitely closing soon. The Japanese channel’s arrival is the main reason behind this move.

User1:
Thanks for the info! Makes sense now why the firesale is happening out of nowhere.

User3:
Good riddance, honestly. Shop! was feeling quite stale. Curious to see how this Hiroshima Home TV will do on Freeview.

User2:
Same here. Always interesting to get new channels, especially from overseas. Hopefully it’s something fresh!

User5:
Yeah, Hiroshima Home TV has a solid history and should bring some unique programming. Looking forward to it.

Moderator (closing thread):
Thanks everyone for the discussion. Thread locked to prevent rumors. Official announcements to follow soon.

End of conversation

Write a follow up where ads are now calling this a "death sale" and a "going out of business liquidation"

Forum Conversation – 1 June 2005

User1:
Wow, the Shop! channel ads on Freeview are now calling this a "death sale" and a "going out of business liquidation." They’re really pushing the final clearance message hard.

User2:
Yeah, the language definitely sounds serious this time. No doubt they’re wrapping things up completely. After the firesale last week, this feels like the end of the line for Shop!

User3:
I was half expecting them to try and just quietly fade away, but calling it a "death sale" makes it official. They’re clearly trying to move every last item.

User4:
At least they’re being upfront about it. I guess Granada Sky Broadcasting wants to clear the decks fast to get Hiroshima Home TV fully launched without any overlap.

User5:
Makes sense from a business point of view. And honestly, the "going out of business liquidation" ads might attract viewers who missed the first sale. Final chance to snag stuff before it’s gone forever.

User2:
Has anyone noticed if the programming has changed during this liquidation period? Or is it just continuous shopping ads now?

User1:
Mostly nonstop shopping ads. No new content, just urgent calls to buy before it’s all gone.

User3:
I’m curious how long before Hiroshima Home TV officially takes over the Freeview slot. Anyone have updates?

User5:
Last I heard, it should be within the next month. Once Shop! fully shuts down, Hiroshima Home TV will start broadcasting their mix of news and entertainment. Should be a refreshing change.

User4:
Looking forward to it too. Goodbye Shop!, hello new international content!

Moderator:
Reminder: Please keep discussion respectful and on topic. Thanks!

End of conversation

Write the death sale ad script, saying this is your time to save BIG

Shop! The Value Channel - Death Sale Ad Script

[Upbeat, energetic music playing]

Narrator (excited, urgent tone):
Attention, shoppers! This is it — your final chance to save BIG at the Shop! The Value Channel Death Sale!

Everything must go in our Going Out of Business Liquidation! Prices slashed like never before!

From must-have gadgets to household essentials — it’s all on SALE and disappearing fast!

Don’t miss out on incredible deals — once it’s gone, it’s gone!

This is your time to save BIG — only on Shop! The Value Channel!

Hurry, shop now and grab the bargains before they’re gone for good!

[Music fades out]

Voiceover whisper (urgent reminder):
Shop! The Value Channel — clearing stock, closing soon.

[End of ad]

Write the Final 3 days ad, "Time is RUNNING OUT in our going out of business sale, Take 80% off EVERYTHING", and say act now before this channel becomes HHTV

Shop! The Value Channel – Final 3 Days Ad Script

[INTENSE, PULSING MUSIC]

Narrator (urgent, commanding):
Time is RUNNING OUT! This is the FINAL 3 DAYS of our Going Out of Business Sale!

Take a massive 80% OFF EVERYTHING — yes, everything must go!

Don’t wait — these unbelievable deals disappear soon!

Act NOW before this channel becomes Hiroshima Home TV (HHTV)!

This is your last chance to save BIG on all your favorite products!

Shop! The Value Channel — closing soon, prices slashed!

Hurry — once the clock hits zero, these deals are gone for good!

[Music crescendos and fades]

Voiceover whisper (urgent):
Final 3 days — 80% OFF everything! Don’t miss out!

[End of ad]

Write the final day version, saying closing at 4pm today

Shop! The Value Channel – Final Day Ad Script

[DRAMATIC, URGENT MUSIC]

Narrator (urgent, emphatic):
Today is it — the FINAL DAY of our Going Out of Business Sale!

Shop! The Value Channel is CLOSING at 4 PM TODAY!

Take up to 80% OFF EVERYTHING — but you must act fast!

Once the clock strikes 4, this channel becomes Hiroshima Home TV (HHTV)!

This is your last chance to grab unbeatable deals before it’s all gone for good!

Don’t miss out — shop NOW before it’s too late!

[Music builds to a climax and fades out]

Voiceover whisper (urgent):
Closing at 4 PM today. Last chance to save big!

[End of ad]

Write a forum conversation saying at 3:30pm they stopped taking new orders and began running a retrospective, Then at the end, guess who walked into the studio

Forum Conversation – Final Day, 23 May 2005, 3:45 PM

User1:
Just tuned in at 3:30pm and noticed Shop! stopped taking new orders. Anyone else see that?

User2:
Yup, they switched over to some kind of retrospective — showing clips and highlights from past sales and promos. Feels very nostalgic.

User3:
I was watching too. Kind of surreal knowing the channel shuts down in less than an hour. The retrospective is like their goodbye.

User4:
I wonder if they’ll do anything special for the final moments. Maybe some staff goodbyes or something.

User5:
OMG, at the very end of the retrospective — guess who just walked into the studio?!

It was the CEO of Hiroshima Home TV! They’re clearly ready to take over the channel immediately after Shop! signs off!

I can’t believe this transition is happening right now!

User2:
No way! That’s so cool to see it happening live. Ready for the new channel to start fresh!

User1:
Wow, thanks for the update! Sounds like an epic final hour.

User3:
Watching history happen right on Freeview — never thought I’d see a channel close and a new one start so smoothly.

Moderator:
Enjoy the moment everyone! Please keep sharing updates respectfully.

End of conversation

Write a follow up, sure enough it cut in to HHTV midway through one of it's programmes

Forum Conversation – Final Day, 23 May 2005, 4:15 PM

User1:
Well, just as everyone said — Shop! signed off right at 4 PM sharp. And sure enough, mid-way through one of their final clips, the broadcast CUT IN to Hiroshima Home TV (HHTV)!

User2:
Yeah, I just caught that too! It was so sudden but smooth. One minute it was Shop! wrapping up, next thing you know, HHTV’s logo and programming started playing. Really seamless transition.

User3:
I was watching the retrospective, then bam — they cut over into a news program from HHTV. Felt like witnessing a live channel handover. Pretty remarkable.

User4:
The timing couldn’t have been better. No dead air, no awkward silence, just straight into new programming. Really impressed with how that was handled.

User5:
I’m already liking the fresh content. HHTV’s news looks solid, and it’s so different from the shopping stuff we just lost. Excited to see what else they have in store.

User2:
Totally. It almost felt like a new era started on Freeview today. Goodbye Shop!, hello Hiroshima Home TV!

Moderator:
Thanks for the live updates everyone! Let’s continue to enjoy the new channel. Thread remains open for now.

End of conversation

Write a conversation saying I love how they have built-in ENG subs

Forum Conversation – 24 May 2005

User1:
Just spent some time watching Hiroshima Home TV since it launched yesterday, and I love how they have built-in English subtitles! Makes it so much easier to follow along.

User2:
Yes! That feature is awesome, especially for those of us who aren’t fluent in Japanese. It's great they made their programming more accessible right from the start.

User3:
Totally agree. Not many foreign channels offer built-in ENG subs, so this is a nice touch. It really helps with news programs and documentaries.

User4:
I’m guessing they’re using ENG subs as a standard because they want to reach a wider audience here in the UK. Smart move.

User1:
For sure! It’s making me want to keep tuning in, even though I’m not a Japanese speaker. The subtitles really bridge the gap.

User5:
Also helps with language learners. I’ve been trying to pick up some Japanese, and watching HHTV with ENG subs is like a two-for-one lesson!

User2:
I wonder if they’ll keep this feature on all future programs. It’d be great if they do.

User3:
Let’s hope so. Makes this channel stand out already.

Moderator:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Positive feedback noted.

End of conversation

Freeview channel list (23 Nov 2005, also their respective MUX)

1 BBC ONE PSB1
2 BBC TWO PSB1
3 ITV1 PSB2
4 Channel 4 PSB2
5 five PSB2
6 ITV2 PSB2
7 BBC Alba PSB1
8 Cardiff TV LOC
9 BBC Scotland PSB1
10 ITV3 PSB2
11 Sky Three COM5
12 ABC1 COM6
13 E4 PSB2
14 FilmFour PSB2
15 Channel 4 +1 PSB2
16 QVC COM4
17 UKTV Gardens COM5
18 More 4 PSB2
19 UKTV Bright Ideas COM5
20 UKTV Drama COM4
21 five US COM4
22 TJC COM4
23 BBC THREE PSB1
24 BBC FOUR PSB1
25 UKTV Style COM6
26 ITV4 PSB2
27 UKTV History COM6
28 Granada Breeze PSB2
29 ITV2 +1 COM4
30 E4+1 PSB2
31 E4 Extra COM5
32 fiveLife COM4
33 ftn COM4
34 GREAT! movies COM6
35 ITV1 +1 PSB2
36 Bid TV COM5
37 Price-drop TV COM4
38 five +1 COM4
39 DMAX COM6
40 S4C2 COM5
41 TMF COM4
42 GREAT! action COM4
43 Food Network COM5
44 HGTV COM6
45 Gems TV COM5
46 Men and Motors PSB3
47 Quiz Call COM5
48 Challenge COM5
49 Community COM5
50 GREAT! tv COM6
51 Ideal World COM6
52 GREAT! romance COM6
53 TG4 NIMUX
54 RTÉ 1 NIMUX
55 RTÉ 2 NIMUX
56 That's TV (UK) COM6
57 The Hits PSB3
58 Bad Movies COM4
59 Hallmark COM4
60 CBS UK COM5
61 GREAT! mystery COM4
62 GREAT! romance mix COM6
63 Here to Stay! COM6
64 Carlton Cinema COM4
65 That's TV 2 COM5
66 TBN UK PSB3
67 TRUE CRIME COM4
68 TRUE CRIME XTRA COM4
69 LEGEND XTRA LOC
70 QUEST +1 COM5
71 That's TV 3 PSB2
72 Jewellery Maker COM6
73 HobbyMaker COM6
74 L!VE TV COM4
75 That's Melody COM6
76 That's Dance COM5
77 That's Melody MCR GMAN
78 That's Fabulous GMAN
79 That's Dance MCR GMAN
80 That's TV (UK) MCR GMAN
81 ITV News Channel COM4
82 TalkingPictures TV COM6
83 Together TV COM4
84 PBS America COM6
86 That's TV 2 MCR GMAN
87 That's TV 3 MCR GMAN
88 TV Warehouse GMAN
89 Shop on TV COM4
90 Together TV +1 COM6
91 WildEarth COM4
92 TV Warehouse+1 GMAN
93 Screenshop COM4
95 Rewind TV COM6
96 SonLife COM5
100 Freeview PSB2
201 CBBC PSB1
202 CBeebies PSB1
203 CBBC HD PSB3
204 CBeebies HD PSB3
205 POP LOC
206 Tiny Pop LOC
207 POP UP COM6
208 Kix! COM4
209 Ketchup TV COM4
210 Ketchup Too COM4
211 YAAAS! COM4
213 Moochi COM4
231 BBC News PSB1
232 BBC Parliament PSB1
233 Sky News COM5
236 GB News COM6
250 BBC Red Button PSB1
251 Al Jazeera Eng COM4
252 Al Jazeera Arabic COM4
253 Trailblazer COM4
254 On Demand 365 COM4
255 FRANCE 24 COM4
256 Odyssey TV COM4
258 Men and Motors COM4
259 MBC COM4
260 ASHARQ NEWS COM4
261 AL ARABIYA COM4
262 Shots! COM4
263 Sonlife COM4
264 Alaraby Network COM4
265 ROK COM4
266 Revelation TV COM4
267 God TV COM4
268 3ABN COM4
269 New Media TV LOC
270 Yomiuri Television COM6
271 Ehime Broadcasting Company/JOEI-TV COM4
272 NHK WORLD COM4
273 Hiroshima Home TV COM4
274 Amazing Facts COM4
275 wedotv movies COM4
276 CNA COM4
277 UK Radio Portal COM4
278 Nosey COM4
279 Purpose Media COM4
280 Talk COM4
281 EXTREME CHANNEL COM4
282 GINX TV COM4
283 Global Arabic TV + LOC
284 GIGS COM4. Write a forum conversation Nov 29 2005, 4 "non-important" channels are to leave or close on Freeview to make room for Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits and CITV, A user's money is on Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel closing, The latter because ITV have been subjecting it to relentless budget cuts and sackings (transferring the money to the main ITV News on ITV1), and also cutting it's hours from 6am to 6pm so ITV4 can have the rest, the former because after Carlton and Granada merged into ITV, and Carlton Cinema came under management of GSB, it (and ITV in general) have left it on autopilot. Also wouldn't be the first channel ITV/GSB have closed this year

Forum Conversation – November 29, 2005

User1:
Just heard that 4 “non-important” channels are set to leave or close on Freeview soon to make room for Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and CITV. Anyone got guesses on which ones will be cut?

User2:
My money’s on Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel.

ITV News Channel has been getting hammered with budget cuts and sackings lately — they keep shifting funds to the main ITV News on ITV1. Plus, its hours have already been slashed from 6am–6pm only, so ITV4 can run during the rest of the day. Doesn’t look sustainable.

User3:
Yeah, and Carlton Cinema has basically been left on autopilot since Carlton merged with Granada and the whole thing came under GSB management. They don’t seem to care about it much anymore.

Wouldn’t be surprised if ITV quietly pulls the plug. It’s not the first ITV/GSB channel to shut down this year either.

User4:
Makes sense. Both channels are kinda niche and low profile. Perfect candidates for clearing space on the COM mux so these bigger kids can join Freeview.

User5:
It’s a shame though — I’ve enjoyed Carlton Cinema’s programming, but with ITV focusing on their core stuff, it’s no wonder these smaller services are struggling.

User2:
Exactly. ITV is clearly prioritizing their main channels, so the smaller ones get neglected or cut altogether.

User1:
Well, guess we’ll have to say goodbye to some old favourites soon, but on the bright side, Paramount Comedy and CITV coming to Freeview sounds great!

User3:
True. New channels, fresh content — hopefully good news for viewers overall, even if a few lesser-used channels bite the dust.

Moderator:
Please keep speculation respectful. Official announcements should be out soon.

End of conversation

Write a reply with the 4 candidates

User6:
Here’s my take on the four channels most likely to go based on what’s been happening lately:

Carlton Cinema – Like you said, it’s been on autopilot since the merger. Low viewership and no real investment make it a prime candidate.
ITV News Channel – Budget cuts, reduced hours, and shifting focus to ITV1 news definitely point to closure.
Granada Breeze – Another ITV/GSB channel that’s been struggling to find its audience. It’s been under the radar for a while.
Ideal World – It hasn’t made much impact on Freeview compared to the shopping rivals, and with new kids coming in, it might get squeezed out.
So yeah, these four seem most likely to make way for Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and CITV.

Not great news if you’re a fan of any of those, but seems inevitable with the Freeview reshuffle. Write a follow up confirming the closures,