Abstract
Only a few broadcast archives—the accumulated collection of past audios, videos, and other materials kept by broadcasters—are available to the general public. Will it be possible to widen their usage, especially in local communities, as a public good to make a new contribution? Focusing on public cultural institutions such as local libraries, art galleries, and museums, the authors conducted a survey of these facilities on needs and challenges at the operational level for the utilization of broadcast archives for the first time in Japan.About 66% of the respondents answered, “I want to use” broadcast archives for their operations and project planning, which indicates a high demand for these archives. The reasons for it included (1) “attractiveness of video footage” derived from the impact of broadcast programs and trust in accuracy, (2) “benefits for facilities” with an expectation of attracting more visitors through a wider variety of special exhibitions and other events, and (3) “benefits for communities” through contribution to cultural heritage, nurturing communication among local people, and promotion of tourism and migration. At the same time, the respondents pointed out various challenges such as “institution’s available resources: workforce, facilities, and money,” “broadcasters’ inadequate response,” and “expensive usage fees and difficulties in handling rights.” The results of the survey illustrate that partnerships through broadcast archives have the potential to create a virtuous circle for enhancing the public value of the three parties—institutions, communities, and broadcasters. To achieve this, broadcasters must change their mindsets and improve the operation of archives, specifically the introduction of professional personnel who can communicate with cultural facilities and match the broadcast materials with each project.
