Live coverage of
9/11
The dawn of the 21st century was marked by
a shocking and infamous event. At 10:03 p.m. (Japan Time) on September
11, 2001 the news program NHK News 10
broadcast live footage of the moment when a second plane hi-jacked that
day by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center in New York. The
program continued with live coverage of the Pentagon in flames, and horrendous
images of the World Trade Center collapsing. Through television, people
around the world witnessed the worst act of terrorism in history.
For nearly 10 days after the first report
of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NHK presented related news and information
around the clock. On the day itself, some Japanese survivors were unaware
that they were inside a burning building until their families in Japan
telephoned them after watching the NHK news. Later, Japanese expatriates
and Japanese visitors to the United States were able to receive a constant
stream of accurate information in Japanese by watching NHK's national
news programs broadcast simultaneously on NHK WORLD, NHK's international
service.
Subsequent events, including the war on Afghanistan's
Taliban regime, were also covered live making use of cell phones and mobile
satellite communication technology, including videophones. This resulted
in a sharp increase in the audience share for NHK news.
Right from the start, NHK sought to air reports
in a calm and objective manner, covering developments from the perspective
of terrorism vs. civilization, rather than Islam vs. the West. Fresh coverage
was supported by many programs designed to deliver sober commentary and
in-depth analysis. Within a month, four editions of NHK Special and 16
editions of Todays Close- up had
been devoted to the issue, as had programs on Educational TV. This comprehensive
approach resulted in far-reaching, multi-faceted coverage of 9/11 and
its aftermath. |
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Speed and consideration: a paradox?
Dramatic events underline the need for a
system that balances speedy reporting with accuracy, fairness and balance.
With the development of a TV service that can cover news as it happens,
greater demands have been placed on reporters and directors to hurry
to the scene and report live. At the same time, a considered response
has become a key issue for broadcasters who are aware that in-depth
coverage and analysis should not be neglected in the rush to report
on the news.
Both news and production staff face a heavy
responsibility to build constantly on reported facts, while technical
support has become more important than ever before. NHK places top priority
on human resources, identifying the right personnel for the job and
giving them careful and comprehensive training.
The new age of TV
Television in Japan is now at a major turning
point, marked by the commencement of BS digital satellite broadcasting
in December 2000 and the digitalization of terrestrial broadcasting,
scheduled for completion by 2011. A new way of life and a new age of
television are being ushered in by the new Digital Hi-Vision channel
with its high quality pictures and 5.1 channel surround-sound stereo
system, a wide range of data broadcasts and the electronic program guide.
ETV for small
children
According to an NHK survey (June 2002), children between the ages
of two and six watch television for an average of 2 hours 34 minutes
a day on both NHK and commercial stations. Among them, 89% watch
Educational TV for at least some of that time, and the channel is
especially popular with children aged two to three.
TV Time for Mothers and Children provides
different programming for the morning and evening. The morning programming
starts with programs for older children and gradually moves on to
those for children in lower age brackets, while the reverse occurs
in the evening. Programs such as With
Mother and Peep-bo! are must-see programs for homemakers
and their young children. |
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