TV coverage, content & treatment

[Khash Najib]

Since it is ok for this list to discuss audiovisual
Japanese media other than cinema, I would like to exchange
observations with list members regarding television
coverage in Japan of events related to Sept11.

I have noticed certain escapism on the part of Japanese
TVs when dealing with  “unwanted” kinds of events. For
example, towards the end of April there was an anti-war
demonstration in Tokyo. Participants (Japan Volunteer
Center, Peace Boat and several other NGOs) expected the
event to draw more than 500 people and informed Japanese
TV stations about it on that basis, and actually more than
1500 people did show up. However, TV coverage was almost
non-existent, and that was just one of a series of 
“avoiding” incidents that the NGOs were complaining
about.
Would that be because Japanese TVs are trying to gain the
favor of the government, or do they genuinely imagine that
covering  “subversive activities” during such a
sensitive period might invoke unwanted public reactions?
One day before that demonstration there had been another
one with 200 people protesting the new media regulations.
That one was covered on nearly all TV channels (I saw it
on 3 of them). Surely a demonstration about freedom of the
press would be seen as important by TV channels, but after
all why are Japanese TVs so keen on their freedom if they
don ’t intend to use it to cover what’s happening on the
street?

Another thing I have noticed is the way Japanese TVs have
dealt with the war in Afghanistan. I recall watching a 
“serious” program with the usual formula of inviting
professors from top universities as guests. But then
suddenly there was this female announcer in the oval
center-stage, standing next to a life-size picture of
Osama Bin Laden on a cardboard cut around his silhouette.
The purpose was to show how tall and terrifying he is,
with the comparison to the cute  “petite” presenter for
comic effect. I guess it was no time for comic twists,
unless a healing effect for the traumatized audience was
intended (just kidding). It all looked very much like a
typical Japanese comedy/talk show, complete with the
section where they bring up something entertaining on the
stage such as a big colorful dice or something of that
kind.

In several other programs there were extensive
explanations of  “the action” that was taking place in
Afghanistan, with huge posters showing pictures taken by
satellites of the destruction that occurred in certain
areas. Sometimes the pictures would be so enlarged that
roofs of houses would be distinguishable and the
explanation would go as far as talking about the urban
design of the neighborhood or the whole city, as well as
which side did the airplanes come from and exactly how
they dropped their bombs. What grabbed my attention is
that the detailing was not utilized to inquire about a
certain relevant point such as the dangers inflicted on
civilians (or the efficiency in sparing them). Rather, it
was limited to describing the procedures and technologies
involved. In other words,  “detailing” per se seemed to
be offered as the enjoyable/consumable component.
 
I would be interested to know about other views of the
performance of Japanese TVs. My impression is that all
Japan got from those supposedly turning-point events is a
media circus. Perhaps that sounds too pessimistic, but as
opposed to Japanese media, I believe that Japanese NGOs
are doing a great job on many levels. So this is probably
not a general problem of awareness in Japan, but rather a
problem of major Japanese media.

Sorry for the long message. The replies to my messages I
got so far (and they are very appreciated) all focus on
American cinema. But I hope to also get some observations
on the scene in Japan.

Many Thanks,
Najib






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