An NHK investigation panel on Tuesday said a television documentary aired last year by the public broadcaster included "excessive staging," although it found no fabrication.

At the same time, the broadcaster said 15 employees will be disciplined for their involvement in the program, "Close-up Gendai," which aired last May. President Katsuto Momii and three other directors will voluntarily return part of their executive salaries.

Weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun alleged recently that the program had included a fake interview.