NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.) on Oct. 1 implemented a reduction in its television-viewing fees, but the decision does not appear to be a wise one. There is the risk that a decrease in revenue could cause a decline in the quality of NHK programs.
NHK's management plan envisages its balance falling into the red in 2013. Depending on economic conditions, fee revenue may be even lower than planned. Revenue shortfalls would reduce spending for producing quality programs.
In 1968, NHK abolished its fee for radio listeners while keeping the fee for TV viewers. For those viewers who pay the bimonthly fees through direct debit account arrangement or by credit cards, the amount charged will fall ¥120 a month. For those who pay the fees at convenience stores, the amount will go down ¥70 a month. Under NHK's management plan covering fiscal 2012-2014, the broadcaster will lose ¥116.2 billion in revenue.