Overview

• Nara Governor Yamashita announced a formal request to the Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization to examine MBS’s June 2 coverage of Nara Park tree management and deer.
• The filing was submitted jointly with Hokkaido University visiting faculty member Shiro Tachizawa, whose views the prefecture says were portrayed as being in conflict with the county’s position.
• The complaint argues the broadcast failed to include the governor’s explanation that removing some oaks is intended to promote understory growth that serves as deer forage.
• After the program aired, the prefecture says it received many critical calls and emails and twice sought an on-air correction in July and August, which MBS did not provide.
• MBS stated it believes the report had no problems and said it will continue discussions with the prefecture, while the BPO has not announced any decision.