Japanese media: NHK lodges protest against being accused of catering to the high-level government

Reference News Network, December 3 report: According to the Japanese Asahi Shimbun website, on December 2, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) announced that it had lodged a protest against the article titled "The Report on U.S. Military Crimes in Okinawa Was Delayed; NHK Is Suspected of Being Considerate of the Takahashi City Government" published by the Okinawa Times on the same day, and requested the latter to make corrections.

The Okinawa Times reported on its front page and other sections on December 2 that NHK had originally planned to broadcast a special report on sexual crimes committed by U.S. military personnel in Okinawa on the October 22 news program "Morning Japan," but postponed it by two weeks due to overlapping with the establishment of the Takahashi City government. The report also cited statements from multiple relevant individuals saying: "To avoid provoking the Takahashi City administration and public opinion that value the Japan-U.S. security alliance, NHK made programming adjustments out of consideration."

On December 2, NHK's representative, Taro Inaba, stated at the Senate Committee on General Affairs: "There is no fact as described in the report that the programming schedule was adjusted due to considerations for the Takahashi City government's intentions. I believe this is an article based on speculation. We have lodged a serious protest with the Okinawa Times and strongly requested them to make corrections."

In addition, NHK also protested on its official website: "This report seriously distorts the facts and creates an impression that our association caters to the Takahashi City government, which severely damages the credibility of our institution as a public broadcasting organization. We deeply regret this and, while lodging a serious protest, strongly request the other party to make corrections."

The Okinawa Times responded to an interview by the Asahi Shimbun, stating: "All the reports were based on sufficient investigation and verification, and the content is accurate and error-free." (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

On November 26, in Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae gave a speech during a party leader debate at the National Diet. (Xinhua News Agency)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7579520525253280310/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.