#Japan #Tokyo #SSK Seminar #Media Evolution #NSI Research

Introduction

On October 30, 2025, a thought-provoking seminar titled "The Day American Broadcasting Crumbles" will take place, featuring expert insights from notable figures including Takashi Wakayama, the President of NSI Research, Noriko Wakihama, a professor at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, and Mikiko Nishiyama, the President of NTV International Corporation.

Context of the Seminar

The seminar is pivotal as it addresses the major transformations occurring within the American broadcasting industry. The industry is witnessing seismic shifts, marked by a decline in multi-channel subscriptions, the migration of sports broadcasting to streaming platforms, the spinning off of networks, and the existential questioning of traditional broadcasting's relevance. Analysts project that by 2030, conventional television broadcasting may very well become a "minor media" outlet. Through this seminar, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current trends affecting North American broadcasting and draw essential connections and implications for media in Japan.

Key Points of Discussion

1. Introduction to Media Challenges: The seminar opens with Noriko Wakihama presenting a stark outline of the current media landscape, setting the stage for deeper discussions.

2. End of American Broadcasting and Structural Factors: Takashi Wakayama will delve into the elements contributing to the decline of American broadcasting:
- Industry Structure: Analysis of the relationships between advertisers, networks, local stations, and multi-channel operators, emphasizing the revenue models that include retransmission fees and advertising income.
- Decrease in Viewing Figures: Discussion surrounding the significant drop in viewership for major networks and cable channels, highlighting a shift towards on-demand content at the expense of traditional views.
- Exit of Networks from Broadcasting: Examination of how major entities like Disney, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery are spinning off their multi-channel divisions and how this impacts streaming profitability versus traditional broadcasting.
- Collapse of Terrestrial Broadcasting: Insights into the scaling back of drama production and the shift of sports content to streaming, along with the implications of relaxed ownership regulations and potential mergers like Nexstar's acquisition of TEGNA.

3. Ground-Level Perspectives: Following Wakayama's analysis, Mikiko Nishiyama will share insights gained from her position within the industry, focusing on how these macro trends are resonating on the ground.

4. Panel Discussion & Q&A: The latter part of the seminar will involve a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by Noriko Wakihama, featuring both Takashi Wakayama and Mikiko Nishiyama as panelists. The discussion will address:
- The current state of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) and its impact on broadcasting stations.
- The direct-to-consumer model's effect on local viewership and sports streaming.
- The changing dynamics between networks and local stations.
- Ownership structure changes and reinventions in broadcasting, illustrated through the Nexstar-TEGNA case.
- What future holds for local news and the evolving contributors to news reporting.

Conclusion

This seminar promises to provide enlightening discussions filled with expert opinions on the dramatic evolution of American broadcasting, making it a crucial event for stakeholders in the media industry, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the trajectory of broadcasting amid a technological revolution.

Event Details

• - Date: October 30, 2025,
• - Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (local time)
• - Format: Live streaming via Zoom, with an archived version available for two weeks for attendees to view at their convenience.

For more information and to register: SSK Seminar Details

Contact Information: New Social System Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan. Email: [email protected], Phone: 03-5532-8850.