Yomiuri Telecasting Company: Background to the launch
In 1953 , prior to its launch in Tokyo, Nippon Television Network Corporation (hereafter referred to as "NTV") submitted an application for a broadcasting license in Osaka to the Radio Regulatory Commission . However, at the time, there were only two radio waves allocated to the Osaka area, and licenses were given to two stations, NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and Osaka Television Broadcasting (OTV, now Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation ), and the license for "NTV Osaka Broadcasting Station" was rejected.

The reason for the rejection was that "Nippon Television represents the Tokyo area, and broadcasting in Osaka would be 'crossing borders.'" [ note 2 ] Matsutaro Shoriki , head of the Yomiuri Shimbun and Nippon Television , applied to the Radio Regulatory Commission to establish regional broadcasting stations in Sapporo , Nagoya , and Fukuoka in addition to Osaka, but this was also rejected for the same reason . [ note 3 ]

At that time, the Yomiuri Shimbun had expanded into Osaka, and was competing fiercely with the Asahi Shimbun , the Mainichi Shimbun , and others in sales. Since Osaka Television Broadcasting was a television station established by the Asahi Shimbun, the Mainichi Shimbun, and the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation and New Japan Broadcasting (now the Mainichi Broadcasting System), Tsutomu Mitsuo , the president of the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun (now the Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka Headquarters) at the time , was convinced that "in order to increase circulation against the two newspapers, we need to have our own affiliated television station," and the Yomiuri Shimbun also decided to create a television station with investment from the Kansai business community, centered around the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun. Tsutomu was the representative promoter and gathered promoters from the business community.

The name of the broadcasting station was " Shin -Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. " (abbreviated as NOTV = New Osaka Television . It was called " No-Tele "), and the founding general meeting was held in February 1957. The company building was constructed by borrowing most of the grounds of the Tenman Betsuin temple of the Otani-ha Shinshu sect in Iwai-cho , Kita-ku, Osaka (now Higashi-Tenma ) .

In October 1956, they submitted an application for a broadcasting license to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. In October 1957, a provisional license was issued to Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting as a quasi-educational station (Channel 10, JOIX-TV). The company held its founding general meeting on February 12, 1958, and on August 1 of the same year, the company changed its name from "Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting" to "Yomiuri Telecasting Co., Ltd." (abbreviated as YTV, nicknamed Yomiuri Television). On the 28th of the same month , it opened as the second commercial television station in the Kinki region, completely transferring all of the Nippon Television programs that had been networked with OTV.

The opening of Yomiuri Television resolved the dissatisfaction of sponsors of Nippon Television Network Corporation's programs, which had not been broadcast in the Kinki region due to OTV's cross-network policy. [ Note 4 ] This also contributed greatly to the increase in circulation of the Yomiuri Shimbun in western Japan .

Among the commercial television stations headquartered in Osaka (Osaka-based television stations), it is the only one that does not have capital from a Kansai private railway , and its capital is composed of Yomiuri Shimbun Group and Nomura Securities affiliates . [ Note 5 ]

Network transition
August 28, 1958 - Launched. As the first station in the Nippon Television Network, it declared itself a "station network station." Since then, Nippon Television has consistently been the main broadcaster of all programs.
April 1, 1966 -News network NNN was launched and the station joined.
June 14, 1972 - Joined the NNS, which was launched on this day.
chronology
The original company building (part of it) was demolished around 1990, and the site is currently used as a parking lot as of 2021 (October 1989, Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
The original company building (part of it) was demolished around 1990, and the site is currently used as a parking lot as of 2021 (October 1989, Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City)

The second-generation company building before the logo change (March 2006)
The second-generation company building before the logo change (March 2006)

The second-generation company building after the logo change (from autumn 2007 to 2019. The black building is the Osaka Tokio Marine & Nichido Building)
The second-generation company building after the logo change (from autumn 2007 to 2019. The black building is the Osaka Tokio Marine & Nichido Building )

Yomiuri Television's broadcasting equipment transport vehicle (Hino Profia) with the new "ytv" logo painted on it
Yomiuri Television's broadcasting equipment transport vehicle ( Hino Profia ) with the new "ytv" logo painted on it
November 26, 1956 - Application for a 10 kW television broadcasting license [ 7 ] .
1957 (Showa 32)
January 14 - The founding office is opened within the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun (now the Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka Headquarters) . [ 7 ]
October 22 - Preliminary license issued.
1958 (Showa 33)
February 12 - Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. inaugural general meeting [ 7 ] .
February 13 - With investment from the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun and others, the company is established as a quasi-educational station , the Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (NOTV). Registration completed . [ 7 ]
August 1 - Company name changed to "Yomiuri Television Broadcasting Corporation" (YTV).
August 3 - Test radio signal transmission from 12:17 p.m. [ 7 ]
August 16 -Test broadcasts begin [ 7 ] .
August 20 - Full license issued (call sign: JOIX-TV, call name: Yomiuri Television) [ 7 ] .
On August 28th, at 9:00am , the station started broadcasting from 2-36 Iwai-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka (later changed to "1-8-11 Higashitenma" due to a change in the name of the town in response to the implementation of the residential address system ) ( Osaka's second station). The station was launched by transferring Nippon Television (NTV) programs that had been networked with Osaka Television Broadcasting (OTV, now Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation ). As the first Nippon Television affiliate, it announced that it would become a "station network station" (the forerunner of full network stations) . [ Note 6 ]
January 8, 1959 (Showa 34) - Early morning broadcast begins (from 8:00 a.m. [ note 7 ] [ 7 ] )
1960 (Showa 35)
January 20 -Application for an experimental color television station license [ 7 ] .
February 15 - A 2-inch color VTR manufactured by RCA is introduced . [ 8 ] [ 9 ]
March 31 - Three color video cameras are installed. A full-scale system is in place to prepare for the start of color broadcasting. [ 9 ]
September 2 - At 2:20 p.m., a color broadcast test signal was transmitted. [ 7 ] [ 10 ]
September 10 - After passing the inspection by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Kinki Radio Regulatory Bureau, regular color television broadcasting begins at 1:15 p.m. [ 7 ] (the first in the Osaka area, along with NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation) . [ Footnotes 8 ] [ 11 ] In addition, the first color spot broadcasting in Japan also begins. [ 10 ]
October 21 - RCA color television cameras are installed. In-house production of color programs begins. [ 10 ]
November 21 - RCA studio color cameras are introduced. [ 12 ]
November 30 - The company completes the conversion of its Studio 3 broadcasting equipment to color. [ 12 ]
December 4 - The color broadcast vehicle is completed. [ 12 ]
December 13 - Broadcast of "Your Color Show", the first music program in Western Japan to be shot with a studio color camera. [ Notes 9 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ]
June 10, 1962 – Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network line becomes the first to be colorized (high-standard) on the Hokuriku down route (Tokyo → Hokuriku → Osaka). This allows Nippon Television to broadcast color simultaneously. [ 13 ] [ 14 ]
1963 (Showa 37)
April 1 - The Tokaido route (Osaka → Nagoya → Shizuoka → Tokyo) of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network line is converted to high-standard color . [ 15 ] This makes it possible to simultaneously broadcast in color to Nippon Television.
December 1 - The Tokaido down route of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network is converted to color (high standard). [ 16 ]
1964 (Showa 39)
February 2 - A color camera is brought to the Takarazuka Revue and the "Takarazuka Revue 50th Anniversary Performance - Invitation to the Review" is broadcast in color. [ 17 ]
March 8 - The Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament is broadcast in color for the first time. [ 16 ]
August 28 – On this day, which marks the sixth anniversary of the station's launch, the station will broadcast six and a half hours of color programming as "Color Campaign Day." [ 17 ]
August 28, 1965 – On this day, the seventh anniversary of the station's launch, the station broadcast seven hours of color programming a day, including the in-house produced "Victor Kayo Show," as "Color Campaign Day. " [ 18 ]
1967 (Showa 42)
April 1 - Programming and production agreement (NY Agreement) signed with Nippon Television Network Corporation.
October 11 - A Toshiba Ampex 2-inch high-band VTR (VR-2000) is purchased and installed. [ 19 ]
November 1 - The Bureau is changed from a quasi-educational bureau to a general bureau . [ 20 ]
1970 (Showa 45)
March 14 - In commemoration of the Osaka Expo , which had its opening ceremony on this day, the station became the host and broadcasting station for " The Japan World Expo Begins, " the first joint production and simultaneous broadcast by all commercial television stations affiliated with the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association at the time. [ Footnote 10 ] [ 21 ]
October 4 - " I Want to Go Far Away " begins broadcasting.
1978 (Showa 53)
September 20 - 1-inch VTR is introduced. [ 22 ]
September 22 - The company obtains a preliminary license for practical test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting . [ 22 ] [ 23 ]
September 30 - The company obtains a full license for the practical test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting . [ 23 ] [ 24 ]
October 1 - Test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting begins (second after Nippon Television Network Corporation. However, initially, only bilingual broadcasts were available via the Internet, and stereo was only available through the company's own transmission, including video feed). [ Note 11 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 25 ]
November 11 - The first stereo broadcast of a self-produced program on this day was the live broadcast of "Game 10 of the Japan-US Baseball Series" from Nishinomiya Stadium . [ 23 ] [ 26 ]
December 31 - On this day, the show " Pink Lady Sweat and Tears of New Year's Eve 150 Minutes!! " aired nationwide on Nippon Television , and was the first to be broadcast in stereo via the Internet. [ 22 ] [ 27 ]
1979 (Showa 54)
March 19 - Starting from this day, the live Nippon Television program " NTV Kohaku Uta no Best Ten ," which is broadcast every Monday, becomes the only regular simultaneous internet program to begin broadcasting in stereo (the other programs began broadcasting in stereo on August 8 of the same year). [ 28 ]
August 1 - The company began broadcasting its self-produced nationwide program " 2-ji no Wide Show " in stereo over simultaneous internet lines on the same day. [ Footnote 12 ] [ 29 ]
August 8 - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (now NTT ) completes construction to convert television relay lines in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Hokuriku (Kanazawa) to stereo. [ 30 ] [ 31 ] As a result, the company begins full-scale stereo broadcasting via its own Internet lines.
In the early 1980s, Sanrio appointed "Toppy and Cuppy" as mascot characters, designed by Shinichi Emura, and these characters were used for about 10 years . [ 32 ] [ 33 ]
1988 (Showa 63)
August 1 - The head office building is moved from Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka to Osaka Business Park (OBP) at 2-2-33 Shiromi, Higashi-ku (now Chuo-ku), Osaka . The 10 mark begins full-scale use.
April 1, 1989 ( Heisei 1) - Clear Vision broadcasting begins.
1993 (Heisei 5)
June 6 - " Osaka Honwaka TV " begins broadcasting.
October 21 - " Downtown DX " begins broadcasting.
January 8, 1996 - Detective Conan begins broadcasting.
1998 (Heisei 10): Appointed "I Need-kun" as a pet character. (At that time, there was a slogan called "I Need 10").
July 1, 2000 - The mascot character "TV Yan" (a character based on a television cathode ray tube. The design was later slightly changed in 2002) was unveiled. The character is a blue TV with a yellow screen. The character appears on screen and on the network's website. In 2002 he got a dog-like sidekick known as Telepochi
2003 (Heisei 15)
July 13 - " Takaji's Sokomade Itte Iinkai " begins broadcasting.
December 1st -Yomiuri Digital Television (JOIX-DTV, 14ch) begins broadcasting on terrestrial digital broadcasting . At the same time as the start of regular broadcasting, the operation of an analog/digital integrated master is also started (the master manufacturer is also changed from NEC to Toshiba ). There is also a TV Yan/Telepochi icon about this
July 29th - August 7th, 2005 - A large-scale event called " Tempozan 10 Days Exciting Treasure Island " was held at Tempozan Harbor Village .
July 31, 2006 - " Information Live Miyaneya " begins broadcasting. Write a news article Dec 24 2006, it attempts to obtain cable carriage in 4 other countries

Yomiuri Telecasting Company: Pioneering Television Broadcasting in the Kinki Region

Date: December 24, 2006

Osaka, Japan – Yomiuri Telecasting Company (YTV), a significant player in the Japanese broadcasting landscape, continues to expand its reach beyond national borders. Established originally as Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. in 1958, YTV is not just a regional commercial television station following its evolution and numerous advancements in technology; it is a robust media enterprise that now aims to obtain cable carriage in four additional countries.

Historically, YTV emerged following rejection of Nippon Television Network Corporation's (NTV) applications for licenses in Osaka and other key locations. Faced with competition from local newspapers and television stations, the Yomiuri Shimbun recognized the necessity of a dedicated television outlet to enhance its market presence. Under the aegis of Tsutomu Mitsuo and supported by investments from the Kansai business community, YTV was born, successfully launching as the second commercial television station in the Kinki region on August 28, 1958.

In its early endeavors, YTV fostered significant collaborations with NTV, consistently becoming a major channel for programming. This strategic alignment not only resolved the dissatisfaction among sponsors due to prior broadcasting policies but also significantly boosted circulation for the Yomiuri Shimbun, particularly in western Japan.

Fast forward to today, YTV is set to embark on an ambitious international expansion plan. The company is working towards securing cable carriage agreements in four countries, marking a notable effort to provide its unique programming and engaging content to a broader audience. This move comes on the heels of increased global interest in Japanese media, spurring the network's dedication to enhancing its international profile.

Since its inception, YTV has pioneered innovations in television broadcasting, highlighted by its transition to color broadcasting in the early 1960s and ongoing advancements in digital technology. The company has achieved numerous milestones, including launching beloved shows such as "Detective Conan" and the comprehensive coverage of regional events like the Osaka Expo in 1970.

As part of its global strategy, YTV will leverage its extensive library of content and established programs, appealing to both Japanese expatriates and international viewers interested in Japanese culture, entertainment, and news. The ambitious push to secure international broadcasts reflects YTV's commitment to not only being a leader in Japanese television but also expanding its footprint on a global stage.

With its rich history and ongoing commitment to innovation and engagement, Yomiuri Telecasting Company stands poised to take its next leap forward, potentially becoming a go-to source for Japanese programming across borders. As we await further updates on its international strategy, one thing is clear: YTV is determined to share the best of Japanese television with the world.

Write a follow up where it revals the 4 other countries it wants to air in

Yomiuri Telecasting Company Expands International Ambitions: Targets Four New Countries for Cable Carriage

Date: January 15, 2007

Osaka, Japan – Following the announcement of its intent to secure cable carriage in four additional countries, Yomiuri Telecasting Company (YTV) has confirmed its target markets: the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This strategic move reflects YTV's ambition to broaden its international presence and tap into the growing global interest in Japanese programming.

The selection of these countries is grounded in demographic research that highlights a significant diaspora of Japanese expatriates as well as a burgeoning interest in Japanese culture, entertainment, and media among local populations. By offering its diverse programming—ranging from popular anime like "Detective Conan" to engaging news and entertainment shows—YTV aims to establish itself as a premier source of Japanese content for audiences abroad.

United States: Recognizing the substantial Japanese community and a well-established market for anime and J-Pop culture, YTV aims to connect with urban centers such as Los Angeles and New York, where interest in Japanese media is booming. Additionally, collaborations with existing cable platforms could facilitate a smoother entry into American homes.

Canada: With a vibrant multicultural landscape, Canada presents a unique opportunity for YTV to reach audiences in Ontario and British Columbia, where there are strong ties to Japanese heritage. The network plans to partner with local channels to incorporate its programming into their line-ups and increase awareness among Canadian viewers.

Australia: YTV sees Australia as an emerging market due to its growing fan base for Japanese media, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian audience's appreciation for anime and cultural exchange provides a fertile ground for YTV’s programming to take root.

United Kingdom: The UK, renowned for its rich tapestry of cultural programming, has shown a noteworthy fascination with Japanese entertainment and lifestyle. YTV seeks partnerships with British broadcasters to make its content accessible and relatable to audiences who are increasingly curious about Japan.

As YTV embarks on this international journey, its strategic approach will include engaging local content producers and tapping into the digital streaming landscape to meet the diverse viewing preferences of each country. Collaborations with local cable providers and internet platforms will be integral to making YTV's offerings available to wider audiences.

This expansion plan strengthens YTV’s position within the competitive landscape of international media and underscores its commitment to cultural exchange and global programming diversity. As we continue to track YTV’s progress in its international endeavors, this bold step signifies the company’s readiness to embrace the future of broadcasting beyond Japan's borders.

With ambitious plans to introduce viewers around the world to the essence of Japanese television, Yomiuri Telecasting Company is on the brink of a transformative phase, inviting global audiences to experience the rich storytelling and vibrant culture that defines its programming.

Write a follow up where one already agrees and will launch the channel on Sky on the 24th of January, replacing QuizCall, which is closing completely

Yomiuri Telecasting Company Seals Initial International Deal: YTV Set to Launch on Sky in the UK

Date: January 20, 2007

Osaka, Japan – In a significant milestone for Yomiuri Telecasting Company (YTV), the network has secured its first international cable carriage agreement with Sky UK. The channel is set to launch on Sky’s platform on January 24, 2007, replacing the popular quiz show QuizCall, which is closing permanently.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for YTV as it begins its foray into the international market, bringing a diverse array of Japanese programming directly to UK audiences. As a part of the agreement, YTV promises to offer a unique lineup that includes critically acclaimed dramas, hit anime series, and culturally rich lifestyle programming—all tailored to capture the interest of British viewers.

The decision to replace QuizCall, a longstanding fixture on Sky, presents an opportunity for YTV to tap into a market eager for fresh and diverse content. By launching its channel during prime viewing hours, YTV aims to attract a substantial audience keen on exploring Japanese culture and entertainment.

YTV's programming will feature a selection of its most popular shows, such as "Detective Conan," alongside news segments that offer insights into contemporary Japan. The channel will also focus on enhancing viewer engagement through interactive content and community events, aiming to create a vibrant platform for cultural exchange.

In a statement, a representative from Sky expressed optimism about this new partnership: "We are excited to welcome Yomiuri Telecasting Company to our lineup. Their unique programming will provide our viewers with an opportunity to experience a different aspect of global entertainment, enriching the diverse content we already offer."

YTV’s international expansion strategy has gained momentum, and the positive response from Sky UK validates its efforts to reach broader audiences. As the launch date approaches, YTV is focusing on marketing initiatives to build awareness and excitement about its offerings among British viewers.

As YTV embarks on this exciting new chapter, it not only aims to entertain but also to foster understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture. The network's commitment to providing high-quality programming further solidifies its role as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world.

Stay tuned as Yomiuri Telecasting Company prepares for its debut on January 24, proving that it is ready to engage international audiences with compelling stories and cultural insights from Japan.

Write a news article Jan 6 2007, the "QuizCall - This channel is no longer in service" notice has been replaced by a image of the YTV mascot sleeping, and text saying check back soon

Yomiuri Telecasting Company Prepares for UK Launch: Teaser for YTV Features Sleeping Mascot on Sky Channel

Date: January 6, 2007

Osaka, Japan – As the highly anticipated launch date of Yomiuri Telecasting Company’s (YTV) channel on Sky approaches, British viewers received a whimsical teaser today that hints at the exciting programming to come. The notice that previously read "QuizCall - This channel is no longer in service" has been replaced with an image of YTV’s charming mascot, who is shown peacefully sleeping with an inviting caption: "Check back soon for something new!”

This playful graphic serves to generate buzz and intrigue around the new channel, which is set to launch on January 24, 2007, replacing the quiz show that has been a fixture on Sky for several years. The sleep motif reflects both the anticipation of viewers eagerly waiting for the next stage of entertainment, as well as YTV’s clever branding strategy to engage its audience before the official launch.

With its upcoming debut, YTV is poised to introduce a variety of content that celebrates Japanese culture and entertainment, targeting not only the substantial Japanese expatriate community in the UK but also a growing audience curious about Japanese media. Viewers can expect an array of popular shows including animated series, dramas, and lifestyle programs designed to resonate with British tastes while offering an authentic slice of Japanese life.

A representative from Sky expressed enthusiasm about the playful teaser: “The mascot sleeping on screen is an engaging way to keep viewers informed and excited. It aligns well with the friendly, colorful nature of YTV’s programming and encourages people to look forward to what’s coming next.”

As YTV gets ready for its inaugural broadcast, preparations are underway to roll out a promotional campaign that will fill British homes with captivating stories, anime classics, and notable cultural insights. Engaging social media initiatives and promotional midnight viewings are also on the horizon to ensure that viewers are well aware of the channel’s offerings.

The shift from QuizCall to YTV is emblematic of Sky's commitment to diversifying its content lineup, and with the new channel poised for success, it promises to deliver an exciting experience that emphasizes cultural appreciation and entertainment.

In the coming weeks leading up to the launch, viewers are encouraged to “check back soon” to discover the dynamic world of Yomiuri Telecasting Company and join the anticipation of this innovative addition to Sky's programming lineup. As the countdown continues, the sleeping mascot remains a delightful reminder that something special is on the way.

Write a conversation asking who is this mascot and when were they introduced in JP

Scene: A coffee shop in Osaka, two friends, Akira and Mei, are discussing Yomiuri Telecasting Company's new channel and its mascot.

Akira: Hey, Mei! Did you see that cute mascot they’re using to promote YTV’s launch on Sky?

Mei: Yeah, I saw the image of the mascot sleeping with the "Check back soon" message. It’s adorable! Do you know who it is?

Akira: I think it's called "TV Yan." It's based on a television cathode ray tube, right?

Mei: That sounds right! I’ve seen it before. But I’m curious—when was TV Yan introduced in Japan?

Akira: If I remember correctly, it was unveiled in 2000. It really became a part of YTV’s brand around that time.

Mei: Oh wow, that’s quite a while ago! I wonder why they decided to bring it back for the launch in the UK.

Akira: I think they’re trying to create a connection with audiences. TV Yan has become a recognizable figure for YTV, so it makes sense they’d use him in their international strategy.

Mei: Imagining TV Yan sleeping is such a charming way to engage viewers! I can’t wait to see what kind of programming they’ll have.

Akira: Same here! It's exciting to think about how they’re introducing Japanese culture to a broader audience.

Mei: Let’s keep an eye out for the launch and see more of TV Yan in action!

Write a forum conversation on the "Sky Satellite thread - Jan 2007" A user says changelog: QuizCall has been renamed to Yomiuri TV, Paramount Comedy 1 is now in 580p, same with the rest of the Viacom/Five channels, etc

Forum Thread: Sky Satellite - January 2007 Updates

User 1: SkyWatcher88
Date: January 6, 2007
Changelog: Just noticed that QuizCall has been renamed to Yomiuri TV! Pretty excited about this change. Does anyone have more details about the new channel? Also, I see that Paramount Comedy 1 is now in 580p, along with the rest of the Viacom/Five channels. Does this mean we can expect better picture quality?

User 2: TVBuff99
Date: January 6, 2007
Yeah, I saw that too! Yomiuri TV is coming from Japan, right? I’ve read that it's going to feature a lot of anime and Japanese dramas. I think it’s a great addition to the lineup—definitely something different!

User 3: BritAnimer
Date: January 7, 2007
Exactly! I'm really looking forward to the anime lineup. “Detective Conan” and some of their other shows have such a huge following. Renaming QuizCall to Yomiuri TV is a big upgrade, in my opinion. As for the image quality on Paramount Comedy 1 and other Viacom/Five channels, 580p is nice! I hope the picture is noticeably sharper.

User 4: CableKing
Date: January 7, 2007
Good to see these changes happening! A new channel with fresh content is always welcome. Plus, improving quality on existing channels like Paramount Comedy is a nice bonus. I do wonder how Yomiuri TV will perform in terms of viewership, though—will it attract a solid crowd?

User 5: AnimeFan2023
Date: January 8, 2007
I think it will! There’s definitely a growing interest in Japanese culture and entertainment here in the UK. Plus, I remember seeing their mascot, TV Yan, promoting the channel. It's cute and adds a friendly vibe! It’s great for building engagement with viewers.

User 6: SkyWatcher88
Date: January 8, 2007
That’s an interesting point! A solid mascot can really help in marketing. I also hope they’ve got some interactive content lined up—things like polls or fan contests would be fun. Anyone know the launch date?

User 7: BritAnimer
Date: January 8, 2007
Yes! Yomiuri TV is set to launch on January 24, 2007. So we don’t have long to wait. I’ll be tuning in for sure!

User 8: CableKing
Date: January 8, 2007
Mark your calendars, everyone! The countdown begins! I'm curious to see what kind of programming blocks they’ll have. I hope they highlight various genres, from news to animations.

User 9: TVBuff99
Date: January 9, 2007
I’m also interested in their news segments. Japanese news can be quite different from what we’re used to here, and it’ll be great to gain some insight into current events from that perspective.

User 10: SkyWatcher88
Date: January 9, 2007
Looks like Yomiuri TV could be a promising addition to Sky’s offerings! Let’s keep this thread updated with any news leading up to the launch. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out!

The discussion continues, with users eager to share updates and experiences as the launch date approaches.

Write a news article March 5 2007, on April 1 the station will recieve a rebrand, The new logo is designed with an orange dot (ten ball) representing the number of channels 10 (ten) in the upper right corner of the yellow ytv, and becomes ytv・. The station will now be refered to on screen as "ytv"