National News

'Biased' broadcasters could be pulled: minister

音声ダウンロード

Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Sanae Takaichi said Feb. 9 the government may pull broadcasters off the air if they continue to show TV programming that is deemed politically biased, a remark that may be perceived as repressing free speech.

The conservative Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker said during a Lower House session that the government may legally order stations and networks to stop broadcasting if they ignore official calls to remain "politically neutral," as stipulated in the broadcasting law. (The Japan Times)

総務相、電波停止の可能性に言及

高市早苗総務相は2月9日、放送局が政治的な公平性を欠く放送を繰り返した場合、電波停止を命じる可能性に言及した。言論の自由に対する抑圧ととられかねない発言だ。

The Japan Times ST: February 19, 2016