Black-and-white TV was steadily replaced by color, giving viewers a more faithful picture of reality. Television came to dominate family living rooms, and the average viewing time rose to three and a half hours a day. TV was no longer a novelty, but an intrinsic feature of daily life. |
Our World in the 70's and NC-9: a breath of fresh air |
Large-scale productions After the nationwide euphoria surrounding the Tokyo Olympic Games, people began to reflect on Japan's high economic growth and question the absolute priority placed on the economy. This was symbolized by four high-profile lawsuits concerning issues of environmental pollution. In 1968, Japan celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration. The following year saw man's first landing on the moon and the mobilization of riot police to evict students who had blockaded Tokyo University's Yasuda Hall. Unrest was in the air, and many people anticipated significant social change.
These large-scale productions were made under a project system, breaching previously sacrosanct divisions between departments and bringing a breath of fresh air into the organization. Our World in the 70's provided a spectacular view of world civilization and a blueprint for the future, qualities shared by Road of Youth, Global Management Plans and Road to the Unknown Society. |
The three pacesetting programs were a major experiment in the basic function of television broadcasting, and produced the know-how in methodology and project management that would eventually give rise to NHK Tokushu and the present NHK Special.
The year 1974 saw the launch of News Center 9, a program that became a milestone in the history of TV news. The first NC-9 presenter was Isomura Hisanori, who belonged to the International News Division. NC-9 aimed for news presented in the newscaster's own words. Maximum use was made of footage and sound that helped viewers imagine themselves at the scene of the events being described. NC-9 also aimed for thorough coverage of the main people involved in the stories. The new priority placed on sports, weather and information about daily life was yet another reason for NC-9's popularity. NC-9 was produced by a team of more than 50 people from the News Department who helped to infuse the program with innovative ideas and vitality. Isomura was followed by Katsube Ryoki and Suetsune Hisashi, then Obama Korehito, and finally the pairing of Kimura Taro and Miyazaki Midori. The program ran for 14 years. |