Wartime bills force broadcasters to air war reports

Private broadcasting companies will be forced to cover war news under the wartime laws, if enacted.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda Yasuo at an Upper House Contingency Legislation Special Committee meeting on May 29 said that the bills could require commercial broadcasters to carry war-related information, including the state of battles and predicted armed attacks.

Akahata on May 29 pointed out that forcing private broadcasters to report the government interpretation of the present and future state of armed attacks will possibly violate the freedom of the press.

Wartime legislation will allow private companies and organizations to be included in a list of entities that will be obliged to cooperate with the government in wars. (end)