Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA)
February 17, 2003

In order to promote higher broadcasting ethics and gain the trust of viewers and listeners, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA) will implement self-directive initiatives by consolidating a system whereby broadcasters accept opinions from the audience with sincerity and respond swiftly to complaints.
As representatives of the broadcasting industry, NHK and JBA agree to establish an autonomous system by enhancing the function of a third-party organization and improving the broadcasters’ response to the organization.

1. As of July 1st 2003, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA) will establish the Broadcasting Ethics and Program Improvement Organization (hereinafter referred to as “the new organization”) to which operations of the present “Programming Committee” and the “Broadcast and Human Rights Committee” will be transferred.
2. The window for opinions and complaints from viewers and listeners will thus be unified, consolidating an efficient and effective cooperative system with each broadcaster. The post of Director-General will be newly created to preside over the new organization consisting of the “Broadcast and Human Rights Committee,” “Youth Committee,” and the “Programming Committee” to expand the scope of investigations. The function of the Secretariat will be strengthened to contribute to the speedy handling of each case.
3. NHK and members of JBA will cooperate to ensure the new organization’s smooth operation without hampering the independence of the above three committees, and will disseminate the organization’s activities to the audiences. When ethical problems are pointed out by the three committees, the relevant broadcaster must report back to the committees about the initiatives that are being taken including reform measures for the improvement of broadcasting ethics.
4. NHK, JBA, and members of JBA will contribute the costs necessary for the operation of the new organization.
5. The themes covered by each of the three committees, their management, their relationship to one another, and their course will be reconsidered and determined after the new organization’s activities are validated.