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>From The Japan Times website:
Japanese commercial broadcasters on Wednesday proposed a revision to the
broadcast law that would allow them to ditch AM radio broadcasting due to
issues over cost amid a decline in listenership.
The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association asked the communications ministry
to implement a system revision by 2028 in order to allow radio broadcasters to
focus on FM broadcasting. Under the law, broadcasters are obliged to broadcast
on both AM and FM.
The request, made at a meeting of a panel of experts at the ministry, reflects
the heavy burden placed on broadcasters stemming from updates to facilities and
other forms of investment at a time when radio stations’ advertising revenues
are diminishing as the number of listeners falls.
“It’s extremely difficult for us to renew our facilities while continuing AM
broadcasting,” said TBS Radio Inc. Chairman Kiyohiko Irie, who participated in
the panel meeting as a representative of commercial broadcasters.
He asked for a measure to allow radio broadcasters to convert their AM
broadcasting to FM or to maintain both types of broadcasting, according to
their own business judgments.
Specifically, the broadcasters’ association proposed a test that would halt AM
broadcasting in limited areas, possibly in 2023. If no problems arise during
the trial, the association would seek the end of mandatory AM broadcasting.
Some members of the panel, which is tasked with discussing ways to strengthen
commercial broadcasters’ operating foundations, agreed with the idea of ending
AM broadcasting, while others were cautious, citing concerns that FM radio
waves have difficulty reaching mountainous areas.
While AM radio waves reach farther than FM waves, they are more prone to being
blocked by tall buildings and tend to have poor reception in urban areas.
In addition, AM radio base stations are often built in coastal areas and
require investments to protect facilities in the event of tsunami.
As a result, 43 of the 47 radio stations making AM broadcasts also have
simultaneous FM broadcasts for their AM radio programs.
Karl Zuk N2KZ Katonah, NY
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