ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Politics

Public broadcasters in Asia under fire from all sides

TV stations risk caving in to heavy-handed governments, alienating viewers

Japan's Supreme Court has ruled it constitutional for public broadcaster NHK to charge license fees to every TV owner.

TOKYO -- As Asia's economies crackle and people become ever more connected through technology and media, public broadcasters are struggling to fulfill their missions, under pressure from heavy-handed governments on one side and unimpressed viewers on the other.

In Japan, Thailand, India and other countries where there is a clear mandate to provide independent, quality content, public broadcasters face a balancing act. There is little agreement among viewers on what constitutes quality. And despite rhetorical commitment to independence, governments seem willing to challenge programming that does not suit their agendas.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more