Society | Mar 06

Japan looks to allow NHK to start simultaneous online streaming

The cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday approved a bill to revise the broadcast law to allow public broadcaster NHK to start simultaneous online streaming of its television programs.

"We would like to meet public demand for watching (NHK) programs on their smartphones," said communications minister Masatoshi Ishida.

The bill is expected to be enacted in the current Diet session and NHK aims to start the service in fiscal 2019, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Under the current law, NHK's simultaneous streaming is limited to disaster and live sports coverage, as expansion of the national broadcaster's services could have an impact on private TV networks.

People installing a TV receiver capable of getting NHK programs are obliged to sign a subscription contract with the broadcaster under the law. Those who contracted with NHK, formally called Japan Broadcasting Corp, will be able to watch online programs without extra fees.

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