Abstract
The series “Exploring the Broadcasting Institution Based on Testimonies” explores the formation process of Japan’s broadcasting institution and the relations between the institution and management, which have not been fully clarified, from testimonies of relevant persons. In Part I, the authors interviewed Prof. Hiroshi Shiono, Professor Emeritus, the University of Tokyo, who conducted systematic research on broadcasting legislation for a long time as a scholar of administrative law.
After the end of World War II, along with the development of commercial broadcasting, problems pertaining to Japan’s broadcasting institution became surfaced. Shiono was invited to NHK’s Study Group on Broadcasting Legislation when it was established in 1963 and started research on broadcast-related laws on full scale. His statement shows that commercial broadcasters strongly requested to overhaul the broadcasting institution at the time and that the discussion in the Study Group was focused on the possible introduction of operational license and revision of receiving fee usage. In particular, NHK developed a sense of crisis regarding the future direction of receiving fee system, which was urged the broadcaster to theoretically examine the system.We learnt from Prof. Shino’s testimony that the Study Group on Broadcasting Legislation had performed an important function for NHK to organizing its thoughts, and jurists, especially scholars of administrative law, assumed a leading role. The proposals of the Study Group, such as ensuring the dual broadcasting institution consisting of NHK and commercial broadcasters and limiting the usage of receiving fee to NHK’s operation, were reflected in subsequent institutional reviews.Prof. Shiono’s testimony centers on discussions held in the 1960s, which left stark impression on him. It implies that extremely important considerations were made over this period of time. His remarks highlight that what was discussed during this period had a huge impact on the ensuing formation of a framework for Japan’s broadcasting institution.
