A Survey on Communities and Broadcasting in the Digital Era
September 2004
In this research series, we examined regional difference through “Survey on Locality and Broadcasting in Digital Age” in July and August editions. This month, we epitomize the prefectural difference in three patterns, Pattern 1:“prefecture with rich regional information (Kagoshima Prefecture), ” Pattern 2: “prefecture with scarce regional information (Chiba Prefecture),” and Pattern 3: “prefecture with unique regional information (Nagano Prefecture).” The aim of the study is to elucidate internal structure of information flow in those prototypes based on each prefecture's characteristics including dissemination level of regional media as well as on the assumed four axes of cause, 1:“self-revitalization level (Revitalization Axis)”, 2: “informatization level (Informatization Axis)”, 3:“cultural level to esteem local climate and identity (Climate Axis)”, and 4:“urbanization level (Urbanization Axis),”
Pattern 1:“prefecture with rich regional informational media (Kagoshima Prefecture)” indicates high usage level of mass media including local papers and broad usage of locally exclusive media such as public relations papers, circulars, and bulletin boards. Pattern 2: “prefecture with scarce regional informational media (Chiba Prefecture)” shows there are diversified media to obtain information on restaurants, shopping, and leisure, while use of mass media is relatively low, but public relations papers are highly appreciated. The tendency seems to be largely affected by the prefecture's media situation that lacks strong local papers or prefectural broadcasting. Pattern 3: “prefecture with unique regional information (Nagano Prefecture)” is observed in rural areas, along with Pattern 1:“prefecture with rich regional information (Kagoshima Prefecture), and shows unique characteristics in procedures for informatization and regional revitalization. Their media usage is almost same as that of “prefecture with unique regional information (Nagano Prefecture),” but in Pattern 2, citizen's interest in information on local assembly is relatively high, and television is the main tool to gain such information.
In a way, we were able to achieve the survey's objective to empirically grasp current situation of information flows in local communities before the pervasion of digital terrestrial broadcasts by assessing regional difference of interest level in local information and media usage and by epitomizing patterns of the information flows. To conclude this series, we also examined the future of local information service after the penetration of digital terrestrial broadcasts, based on data and knowledge obtained by the survey.