Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government is considering abolishing a legal clause demanding broadcasters ensure political fairness, claiming it would spur competition and diversify programs, an internal document obtained by Kyodo News showed Thursday.
By loosening regulations for TV and radio programs, the government aims to help more businesses enter the broadcasting market, but the envisioned overhaul is likely to spark controversy as broadcasters with strong party allegiances could be established.
The government plans to abolish Article 4 of the broadcasting law, which provides that a broadcaster shall not negatively influence public safety and morals, shall be politically fair, shall not distort the facts and shall clarify the points at issue from as many angles as possible where there are conflicting opinions.