Gov't to order NHK radio to feature more on abductions

The government will ask a state panel on radio broadcasting to discuss next month whether to order Japan Broadcasting Corp (NHK) to feature North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals in its overseas shortwave radio broadcasts. The move, announced by Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday, raises concerns even among ruling bloc lawmakers that such an order would violate the freedom of press and is likely to ignite further heated debate.

Article 33 of the Broadcast Law stipulates that the minister may order NHK to conduct international broadcasting by designating broadcast matters, but critics say ordering the broadcast of specific subjects, such as the abductions, could infringe upon NHK's editorial rights. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, known for his harsh stance on North Korea and who recently instructed his Cabinet members to take measures to resolve the abduction issue, defended the plan by saying, "We have to take appropriate action as we think about what can be done for the sake of the victims who are waiting in North Korea for us to rescue them."