Abstract
This study explores the use of sources and channels in network evening news programs in Japan. For the purpose of research, a content analysis was conducted using videotaped reports from evening news programs of NHK and 4 major commercial networks. The unit of analysis was the televised news sourse, defined as "any individual, group, or organization attributed by journalists as a source of information or opinion". In accordance with the findings of previous studies, this study found that governmental sources dominate news sources and that more news originating from routine channels are used in both NHK and commercial TV networks. There were, however, significant differences in sourcing patterns between NHK and commercial broadcasters.
