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Mainichi Broadcasting System
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JOOY-DTV (channel 4), branded as Mainichi Broadcasting System (Japanese: 毎日放送, Hepburn: Mainichi Hōsō; MBS) (formerly known as Mainichi Broadcasting System Television[a] from 1959 to 2011), is a Japanese television station serving as the Kansai region key station of the Japan News Network, owned-and-operated by Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc.[b] a subsidiary of MBS Media Holdings with its studios being based in the Kita-ku ward of Osaka.
Key Information
From its sign on in 1959 to 2021, MBS operated as a unified broadcaster, with its radio and television operations being intact until 2017 when a major restructuring caused the operations to be held under the second incarnation of MBS. In 2021, the radio division was spun-off as a separate wholly owned subsidiary.
Overview
[edit]MBS is a core station of the Japan News Network (JNN), with TBS TV as its key station. MBS is a member of the "Five Company Federation" (comprising it, TBS, HBC, CBC and RKB) and is also a major shareholder of TBS Holdings. It distributes G-Guide EPG data, and used to distribute analog G-Guide program data to Tokushima Prefecture, where the only commercial TV station is affiliated to NNN/NNS.
During the 16 years and one month from the start of TV broadcasting until the network affair was resolved, it was a key station of NET (now TV Asahi) and was subsequently affiliated to the All-Nippon News Network (ANN) upon its opening. At the same time, Tokyo Channel 12 (currently TV Tokyo) was also connected to the station.
With the complete transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting on July 24, 2011, the notation of newspapers and TV information magazines on the same date changed from "Mainichi TV" (or "Mainichi"), which has been used since the start of television broadcasting), to "MBS TV" (or "MBS"). In the terrestrial digital TV G-Guide, it is written as "MBS Mainichi Broadcasting". Until July 23, 2011, the general name was Mainichi Broadcasting Television , and when it was simply called MBS, in the analog era, it was written as Mainichi TV in the radio and television columns of newspapers.
On April 1, 2017, the trade name was changed to "MBS Media Holdings", and both TV and radio broadcasting businesses were taken over by "(New) Mainichi Broadcasting". After that, on April 1, 2021, "MBS Radio Co., Ltd.", which was newly established as a wholly owned subsidiary of MBS Media Holdings, took over the radio broadcasting license and business that Mainichi Broadcasting had held, and moved exclusively to television (JOOR-DTV changed to JOOY-DTV).
Among the broadcasting stations in Osaka, the company, Asahi Broadcasting Television, and Kansai Television are three companies that opened earlier than their respective key stations in Tokyo (TBS Television, TV Asahi, Fuji Television). This is because these three companies and the three key stations had nothing to do with each other at the time of their establishment. However, despite being the oldest station in Japan to start radio broadcasting, it was the fourth station in Osaka to start TV broadcasting. It was almost the same time as Asahi (Nippon Educational Television (NET TV) at that time), but it was one month behind. On the other hand, Yomiuri TV and TV Osaka were established with the intention of their respective key stations, so they opened later than the key stations.
It has a strong connection with RKB Mainichi Broadcasting, co-produced and co-sold radio programs, and on television, even during the pre-1975 affair era, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting (KBC) sold in-house programs that were not organized or sponsored net, and jointly established a health insurance union, and are presenting aspects of sister companies. In addition, the remote control key ID for analog master stations and digital broadcasting is also "4". It has a close relationship with Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and Resona Bank.
MBS was involved in the establishment of FM802 as a major shareholder along with Nippon Broadcasting System. At the time of its establishment, it was organized by Nippon Broadcasting System, and the person in charge of sales was seconded from Mainichi Broadcasting System. Even now, we often co-host events. In July 2019, a disaster information sharing partnership agreement was signed between FM802 and FM COCOLO operated by the company.[1]
Corporate information
[edit]Main office
[edit]- Location: 17-1 Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 530-8304
- Transportation: About 5 minutes on foot from Osaka Umeda Station (Hankyu) Chayamachi Exit. About a 10-minute walk from JR West Osaka Station, Osaka-Umeda Station (Hanshin), and Osaka Municipal Rapid Transit Umeda Station, Nakatsu Station, Higashi-Umeda Station, and Nishi-Umeda Station .
- Some programs have a "program-only zip code" (MBS Baseball Park (radio program), Chichin Puipui, etc.).
Among the TV stations in Osaka, it is located in a busy area, and the front of the head office is also used by commuters on weekdays. In the neighborhood, there are business and commercial facilities such as "Chayamachi Applause" where the Umeda Arts Theater is located, Hankyu Corporation headquarters building, Umeda Loft, NU Chayamachi, etc. The current office building can be seen from inside the trains running between stations and between Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka Station on the JR Kyoto Line. The upper part is shaped like the letter "M". There are some documents that say that the building was modeled on the image of "Mainichi", but at the time NTT's radio frequencies were being transmitted in this airspace, and there were restrictions on the height of the building, this design was chosen.
History
[edit]Early history
[edit]On June 1, 1958, New Japan Broadcasting changed the company name to Mainichi Broadcasting. At the same time, Mainichi Broadcasting set up a television studio on the 8th and 9th floors of the south building of the Mainichi Osaka Kaikan under construction, and built a signal transmitting station on the top of Ikoma Mountain.[2]: 99 "Kansai Education and Culture Broadcasting", which applied for an educational television license, also merged with MBS.[2]: 99 Osaka Television Broadcasting has 88 employees participating at MBS.[2]: 99 At the same time, due to the decision of Radio Tokyo TV to maintain the network relationship with Osaka Television Broadcasting, Mainichi Broadcasting was faced with the dilemma of insufficient broadcast programs and had to change the broadcast date from December 1, 1958 to March 1959. On March 1, it established a network relationship with Nippon Educational Television (later renamed NET Television, now TV Asahi).[2]: 100–101 At 10 a.m. on March 1, 1959, the MBS TV broadcast was officially launched.[2]: 100–101
In the early days of Mainichi Broadcasting, most of the entertainment programs came from NET stations, while most of the self-produced programs were educational programs.[2]: 103–104 In 1963, the daily ratings of Mainichi Broadcasting were 7.5%, second only to NHK and Asahi Broadcasting's 8.1%. The average ratings in the evening period are 14.6%, second only to Asahi Broadcasting's 15.9%.[2]: 164 In the mid-1960s, Mainichi Broadcasting participated in the establishment of Tokyo Channel 12 by the Japan Science and Technology Foundation.[2]: 127 As Tokyo Channel 12 quickly fell into operating difficulties after its launch, Mainichi Broadcasting began to broadcast some self-produced programs on Tokyo Channel 12 in 1967, but the situation has not improved. Therefore, the financial circle once had the idea of merging Tokyo Channel 12 with Mainichi Broadcasting. However, due to opposition from the Mainichi Shimbun and Nihon Keizai Shimbun's decision to rebuild Tokyo Channel 12, this idea could not be realized. However, Mainichi Broadcasting still has a cooperative relationship with Tokyo Channel 12 and broadcasts its own programs on Tokyo Channel 12.[2]: 128–129 In 1967, the MBS TV license was changed from a quasi-educational station to a general comprehensive station, which could broadcast more entertainment programs.[2]: 115 On April 1 of the same year, MBS began to broadcast color programs.[2]: 115 In October 1970, all in-house MBS programs were in color.[2]: 146 During the 1970 World Expo, Mainichi Broadcasting broadcast "Good Morning Expo" every day and produced and broadcast a series of special programs.[2]: 149–152 In 1971, Mainichi Broadcasting Corporation stopped airing NET TV's "23rd Show" on the grounds that the program content was too vulgar, causing a sensation in the Japanese television industry.[2]: 152–153 In the same year, the daily average viewership rating was 8.8%, ranking first for the first time.[2]: 167 In the same year, MBS's TV division revenue also exceeded Asahi Broadcasting.[2]: 343–344
Mainichi Broadcasting began to strengthen international cooperation in the 1960s. It became an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union in 1969 and signed cooperation agreements with foreign television stations such as WGN-TV in the United States, CBLT-TV in Canada, Czechoslovak Television, ZDF in West Germany and TF1 in France.[2]: 135–136 In 1962, Mainichi Broadcasting opened a North American branch in New York, becoming the third Japanese television station to open a base in there.[2]: 136–137 Mainichi Broadcasting attaches great importance to international cultural cooperation and hosted the Kansai Performance of the Vienna Boys' Choir in 1964.[2]: 261–262
Transition from NET to TBS
[edit]When Mainichi Broadcasting withdrew from Osaka Television in 1958, Osaka Television's successor, Asahi Broadcasting, inherited the network relationship between Osaka Television and TBS. This resulted in the fact that the Kansai region TBS affiliate is the channel 6 controlled by the Asahi Shinbun. There is a reversal in the relationship between Tokyo and Osaka TV station networks.[2]: 341–342 In the early 1970s, Japan's four national newspapers conducted an exchange of shares in television stations. The Asahi Shimbun and the Yomiuri Shimbun handed over their shares in TBS to the Mainichi Shimbun; the Asahi and the Mainichi Shimbun handed over their shares in Nippon Television to the Yomiuri; the Nikkei. The equity of NET TV was transferred to the Asahi Shimbun.[2]: 344 The Asahi Shimbun also requested ABC to join the NET/ANN network. After TBS learned of this news, it invited Mainichi Broadcasting to join TBS's network in the summer of 1974, and obtained Mainichi Broadcasting's consent. On November 19, 1974, TBS and Mainichi Broadcasting jointly announced that Mainichi Broadcasting would join the Japan News Network starting from April 1, 1975.[2]: 345 Compared with the ANN period, MBS's broadcasts are broadcast every week during prime time, the duration of the program broadcast nationwide in Japan was reduced from 5 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 50 minutes. National broadcast programs outside prime time were also reduced from 6 hours and 35 minutes to 4 hours and 55 minutes.[2]: 368 At the same time, Mainichi Broadcasting will no longer broadcast Tokyo Channel 12 programs.[2]: 348 Mainichi Broadcasting and Asahi Broadcasting also conducted large-scale program exchanges.[2]: 365–366
In the 1970s, TBS was known as the "hero of private broadcasting" and held a leading position in Japan's private television industry. As a result, MBS's ratings increased after switching networks. From October 1975 to March 1980, the MBS won the triple crown of ratings.[2]: 373 High ratings also boosted advertising performance. Mainichi Broadcasting ranked first in prime time ratings for 26 consecutive weeks in the first half of 1978. In the same year, MBS's revenue reached 30.15 billion yen, and the profit reached 5.12 billion yen. The revenue of both the television division and the radio division ranked first among Osaka stations.[2]: 353 Beginning in the late 1970s, Mainichi Broadcasting took the lead in introducing electronic news gathering (ENG) among private stations in Osaka, which greatly improved its news gathering and editing capabilities.[2]: 404–405 In 1978, Mainichi Broadcasting opened the Bonn branch, JNN's 11th overseas branch.[2]: 406–407 In 1986, Mainichi Broadcasting opened its second overseas branch, the Manila branch.[2]: 406–407 In terms of technological innovation, Mainichi Broadcasting began broadcasting stereo TV in 1982,[2]: 505–506 and began broadcasting data information in 1986.[2]: 506–508 In 1989, MBS introduced the Satellite News Relay (SNG) System.[2]: 582–583
In 1986, Mainichi Broadcasting regained the top position in advertising revenue among Osaka stations.[2]: 591 In 1987, Mainichi Broadcasting's turnover reached 53.518 billion yen and profit reached 6.233 billion yen, both setting high records at the time.[2]: 551 Relying on the good times of Japan's bubble economy, Mainichi Broadcasting's revenue increased to 64.949 billion yen in 1990, with profits reaching 9.489 billion yen.[2]: 553 Taking advantage of the introduction of satellite and cable TV in Japan, Mainichi Broadcasting participated in investing in Japan Satellite Broadcasting in 1983.[2]: 674–675 In 1989, Mainichi Broadcasting joined with Sumitomo Corporation to invest in the establishment of SVN (Space Vision Network) company and began to establish their own satellite TV channels.[2]: 670–672 In 1993, SVN changed its name to GAORA and became a sports-oriented satellite TV channel.[2]: 413–416
Move to Chayamachi
[edit]The current company building was completed on September 1, 1990 on the site of the Hankyu Department Store Distribution Center in Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka. Headquarter functions such as sales and accounting at Mainichi Osaka Kaikan, departments such as the news department at Senrioka Broadcasting Center, and some television and radio programs produced at Senrioka were moved to the new company building in Chayamachi. From the same day, a special program was produced and broadcast for two days on television and five days on radio to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the opening of the station and the start of broadcasting in the new building.
Since the grand opening on the same day, most of the first floor has been used as an "atrium" (open space) for live broadcasting and recording of TV and radio programs and various events. "MBS Goods Shop" (former name was "Mzono Shop" → "Nebula") and a branch of Tully's Coffee (when it opened in 1990, it was a restaurant called "Starship") were also occupied. On the second floor, when it first opened, it was given the function of a concert hall under the name "Galaxy Hall". Later, it was diverted to "Galaxy Studio". It was used for live TV programs, public recordings, and events.
On March 31, 2001 a broadcasting studio called "MBS Studio in USJ" was opened at Universal Studios Japan.
Later history
[edit]On December 1, 2003, MBS alongside ABC, KTV, YTV and TVO started their digital broadcasts signals. In July 2010, the company announced that it would construct a new building with a base isolation structure of 15 floors above ground and 1 floor below ground on the north side of the head office . Osaka City applied the "Business/University Location Promotion Subsidy Program",[3] and construction began in April 2011. On July 24, 2011, at noon, MBS, along with other television stations in the Kansai region, turned off its analog broadcast, as part of the digital television transition in most prefectures of Japan.
The MBS building expansion was completed on September 4, 2013. Along with the new building being named the "B Building", the main building was named the "M building". The names "M Building" and "B Building" are derived from the initials MBS. At the time of the start of operation of the B Building, there is no actual facility or building officially named "S Building".
The B Building had its grand opening on April 4, 2014 at 11:07:09, named after MBS TV's channel number (4) and MBS Radio's frequency (1179).[4]
In the B building, there are two studios for TV programs, offices, heliport, height of about 36m (about 117m above ground), radio towers, etc. In addition, the relay truck depot in Senrioka was also consolidated, and the conventional office building (named "M Building" after the completion of the "B Building") is replaced by connecting corridors on the 2nd, 12th and 13th floors. On April 20, 2015, the main control room (master) was updated to the new master in the B Building.
In 2017, the television and radio operations of MBS were taken over by the second incarnation of Mainichi Broadcasting after the company restructured into MBS Media Holdings.[5]
From 2018, with the 60th anniversary of MBS TV, the second floor of the M Building was renovated as a "live center" for the purpose of responding to live broadcasting and strengthening cooperation between news and production stations . Start construction. After remodeling the space including Studio C (Galaxy Studio) into an "Information Floor" linked to live information programs, it was operated from January 28, 2019.[6][7] In addition, the "Chapla Stage" on the 1st floor of the M Building was also renovated on the premise of incorporating it into the "Live Center".
Spin-off of radio operations
[edit]On May 28, 2020, MBS announced that it would spin off its radio division, under a separate company known as MBS Radio with the MBS entity now being a sole television broadcaster.[8] The split was completed by April 1 of the following year and as a result, the TV callsign was changed to JOOY-DTV.[9]
Programming
[edit]See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Press conference held by the president (Mainichi Broadcasting Press release dated July 2019)
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am 毎日放送の40年 [40 Years of Mainichi Broadcasting]. Mainichi Broadcasting System. 1991.
- ^ "Mainichi Broadcasting System Co., Ltd. Headquarters New Building has been decided to be subsidized". Archived from the original on 2016-06-22. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ MBS: New building on the north side of the head office
- ^ "毎日放送が認定放送持ち株会社に移行を計画、社名は「MBSメディアホールディングス」" (in Japanese). 28 July 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ More emphasis on MBS live broadcasts... The program will complete the "Live Center" in February next year
- ^ "President press conference held” (PDF). Mainichi Broadcasting System (January 2019, 1)
- ^ "ＭＢＳ開局70周年の21年にラジオとテレビを分社". Nikkan Sportd. 28 May 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "「株式会社ＭＢＳラジオ」、「株式会社毎日放送」 ラジオ、テレビが独立した会社で再スタートしました". MBS TV and MBS Radio. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Japanese)
Mainichi Broadcasting System
View on GrokipediaIntroduction
Overview
The Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc. (MBS) is a major Japanese television station headquartered in Osaka, serving as the key station for the Kansai region within the Japan News Network (JNN) and maintaining a close affiliation with TBS Television.[1][2] Established originally as a radio broadcaster, MBS transitioned to focus primarily on television operations following the spin-off of its radio division in 2021, positioning it as a certified broadcasting entity under the oversight of its parent company, MBS Media Holdings, Inc.[3][2] MBS's core operations center on television broadcasting, encompassing news reporting, entertainment programming, and content tailored to regional interests. As part of the JNN network, it contributes to nationwide news dissemination while producing original programs that highlight local culture and events.[1] This dual emphasis allows MBS to deliver timely information and engaging entertainment to audiences across Japan, with a particular strength in fostering cultural ties between the Kansai area and broader Asian influences.[1] Founded on December 27, 1950, as New Japan Broadcasting Co., Ltd., MBS began radio transmissions on September 1, 1951, marking it as one of Japan's earliest commercial broadcasters, and launched television services on March 1, 1959.[2] Today, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of MBS Media Holdings since April 1, 2017, it plays a unique role in the Kansai region by adapting national programming for local Osaka and surrounding audiences, ensuring relevance to the area's 22 million residents through customized content that reflects regional history, traditions, and community dynamics.[3][1][4]Role and Affiliations
The Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) has been affiliated with the Japan News Network (JNN) since April 1, 1975, serving as a core station within this nationwide television network.[2] As one of the two primary linchpins of JNN—alongside Tokyo-based TBS—MBS functions as the key station for the Kansai region, facilitating the distribution of news and programming to 28 affiliated terrestrial TV stations across Japan.[1] This role positions MBS as a key station within JNN, alongside TBS, emphasizing its importance in bridging regional and national broadcasting efforts.[1] MBS maintains a close partnership with TBS for national content syndication and co-productions, leveraging the JNN framework to share news feeds and produce collaborative programs that reach audiences beyond Kansai.[1] Through this alliance, MBS contributes to the rapid dissemination of high-quality information, including joint news reporting and content development that aligns with JNN's mission of nationwide connectivity.[1] These efforts enable seamless integration of TBS-originated material with MBS's regional adaptations, enhancing the overall coherence of the network's offerings. As the key station for the Kansai region, headquartered in Osaka, MBS holds significant regional importance by delivering localized news, cultural programming, and community-focused content that contrasts with Tokyo-centric broadcasts.[1] This focus allows MBS to address the unique needs of Kansai's diverse audience, including business, cultural, and Asian-influenced perspectives, while maintaining national relevance through JNN.[1] Within the broader Japanese media ecosystem, MBS engages in collaborations with other JNN affiliates, such as RKB Mainichi Broadcasting in Fukuoka, to support shared initiatives in news exchange and program distribution.[1] These partnerships strengthen the network's collective impact, promoting a unified yet regionally tailored approach to broadcasting across Japan.[1]Corporate Structure
Headquarters and Facilities
The headquarters of Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc. (MBS) is situated at 17-1 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 530-8304.[5] This central location in the Umeda business district offers high accessibility, with the building approximately five minutes on foot from Osaka/Umeda Station on the Hankyu Railway lines, enabling efficient regional coverage and collaborations with local partners.[3] MBS relocated its primary operations to the Chayamachi site in 1990, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of its radio broadcasting inception, to consolidate and modernize its infrastructure on the former site of the Hankyu Department Store Distribution Center.[6] The complex comprises a multi-building setup, anchored by the original 15-story M Building, which houses core administrative and broadcasting functions, including modern television production studios equipped for high-definition and digital workflows.[7] In September 2013, MBS completed construction of the adjacent B Building (new annex), a 15-story glass-clad structure rising 89 meters, to enhance digital broadcasting capabilities and unify functions previously dispersed across four sites, including those at Universal Studios Japan.[8] This expansion, costing around 17 billion yen, integrated advanced technical facilities such as dedicated newsrooms for real-time reporting, multiple production studios like the Live Center Studio for live variety and information programs, and specialized technical centers for content editing and networked distribution.[8][9] These operational facilities support seamless in-house program development and contributions to national networks, with features like open-air Chayamachi Plaza on the first floor serving as an urban-integrated broadcast space for public events and recordings.[10] The setup emphasizes efficiency in a vibrant commercial hub, promoting both internal innovation and external engagement in Osaka's media landscape.[9]Ownership and Subsidiaries
Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc. (MBS) serves as the primary operating entity for television broadcasting and is wholly owned by its parent company, MBS Media Holdings, Inc., following a corporate restructuring on April 1, 2017, that transitioned the original entity into a certified broadcasting holding company.[3] This structure allows MBS Media Holdings to oversee diversified media operations while ensuring compliance with Japan's Broadcasting Act, which mandates separation of broadcasting licenses into dedicated subsidiaries.[2] Historically, the company traces its origins to New Japan Broadcasting Co., Ltd., established on December 27, 1950, as one of Japan's early commercial radio broadcasters, with initial capitalization supported by domestic stakeholders including newspaper groups but without significant foreign or external ownership stakes.[2] It was renamed Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc. on June 1, 1951, reflecting its affiliation with the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, and has maintained a stable, internally driven ownership model focused on regional media development, with no major shifts involving outside investors.[2] The 2017 reorganization preserved this continuity by internalizing all shares under the holding company, enabling strategic investments in content and infrastructure without diluting control.[11] Under MBS Media Holdings, key subsidiaries include MBS Radio Co., Ltd., established on May 28, 2020, and operational from April 1, 2021, which assumed the radio broadcasting license and operations previously handled by the main entity, operating as a 100% owned subsidiary with capital of 10 million yen.[12] Other holdings encompass production and distribution arms such as MBS Planning Corporation, responsible for program planning and sales; GAORA, Inc., focused on sports and lifestyle content channels; and Broadcasting Movies Production Co., Ltd., dedicated to film and video production.[13][14] These subsidiaries support content creation and distribution, with additional ventures like MBS Innovation Drive Co., Ltd., exploring new media and business development, all fully consolidated under the holding company's 100% ownership.[15] Governance at MBS Media Holdings emphasizes operational independence within the Japan News Network (JNN), where MBS functions as a key regional station affiliated with TBS Television, prioritizing local programming and sustainability amid evolving media landscapes.[1] The board of directors, as of June 19, 2025, comprises 10 directors, including Representative Director and President Takayuki Takayama, alongside external and internal directors to balance strategic oversight with regulatory compliance.[11] Audit and supervisory functions are handled by four auditors, ensuring transparency and adherence to broadcasting standards that foster regional media resilience.[11]History
Founding and Early Radio Operations
The Mainichi Broadcasting System traces its origins to December 27, 1950, when it was founded as the New Japan Broadcasting Company (NJB) in Osaka, backed by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper and regional financial interests as part of Japan's emerging commercial media landscape following the Broadcast Law of 1950.[16][5] NJB was established with a capital of 80 million yen to serve the Kansai region's post-war audience, capitalizing on the demand for private broadcasting after NHK's monopoly ended.[5] This positioned NJB among the pioneers of commercial radio, supported by local sponsors eager to reach recovering communities.[16] NJB launched its AM radio operations on September 1, 1951, under the callsign JOOR, becoming one of Japan's first private broadcasters alongside Chubu Nippon Broadcasting in Nagoya.[16][17] Initial programming emphasized news broadcasts—delivered 17 times daily—along with stock market updates, National Diet proceedings, entertainment such as quiz shows and light music, and educational content aimed at uplifting morale and informing the public during post-war reconstruction.[16] These efforts focused on engaging everyday listeners with accessible, morale-boosting formats that reflected the era's emphasis on societal recovery and democratic participation.[16] Throughout the 1950s, NJB expanded its reach with local programming that highlighted Kansai culture, including regional news, dialect-infused entertainment, and community-oriented shows, while opening a Tokyo branch in 1951 to broaden its national presence.[5][16] Financial support from regional sponsors, including the Mainichi Shimbun, enabled infrastructure growth and sustained operations amid competition from emerging stations.[16] On June 1, 1958, the company renamed itself Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc., to better reflect its ties to the Mainichi Shimbun and align with broader national media affiliations.[18] This rebranding solidified its identity ahead of its transition to television broadcasting.[18]Launch of Television and Initial Programming
Mainichi Broadcasting System launched its television operations on March 1, 1959, establishing a standalone signal on VHF channel 4 with the callsign JOOR-TV.[19] The broadcasts began in black-and-white format, aligning with the technological standards of Japanese commercial television at the time.[2] Initial programming emphasized educational and cultural content to build audience engagement in the Kansai region, often adapting successful radio formats for the visual medium.[19] Notable early efforts included local news bulletins providing timely regional updates and adaptations of radio shows to leverage existing talent and narratives.[2] For instance, the cultural program Imperial Family, which explored topics related to Japan's imperial history and traditions, premiered on October 5, 1959, airing weekly in a late-evening slot.[20] From its inception in 1959 through 2017, MBS maintained unified operations under a single corporate structure, integrating radio and television divisions to share production resources, facilities, and personnel for enhanced cost efficiency and cross-medium content synergy.[19] This approach allowed seamless adaptation of radio content to television while optimizing operational expenses during the station's formative years. The technical rollout featured an initial transmitter setup designed to serve the Osaka metropolitan area, ensuring reliable signal reach across the urban core and surrounding locales.[2]Network Affiliation Changes
Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) began television broadcasting on March 1, 1959, as an affiliate of Nippon Educational Television (NET), initially emphasizing educational and cultural content in line with NET's focus on informative programming.[2][16] On April 1, 1967, MBS transitioned to color broadcasting, enhancing its visual production capabilities while remaining within the NET network.[2] A pivotal shift occurred on April 1, 1975, when MBS exited the NET/All-Nippon News Network (ANN) alliance and joined the Japan News Network (JNN), led by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), as part of the broader "intestine twist resolution" reorganization in Kansai broadcasting.[2][21] This change aligned MBS with the Mainichi Shimbun's affiliations, swapping networks with Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), which moved to ANN.[21] The transition transformed MBS from an educational-oriented station to a comprehensive broadcaster, enabling a wider array of genres including dramas, variety shows, and entertainment, while maintaining strong news coverage through JNN syndication.[21] This affiliation enhanced MBS's national reach and programming diversity, solidifying its role as a key JNN station and balancing educational legacies—such as early informative shows—with broader appeal.[2] In the 1990s, MBS made minor adjustments to its JNN agreements to bolster regional content autonomy, allowing greater flexibility in local programming within the national framework.[2]Relocation and Infrastructure Upgrades
In 1990, Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) undertook a major relocation of its headquarters and studios, moving on September 1 from its previous registered office in the Mainichi Shimbun building in Dojima and the primary broadcasting center in Senrioka to a newly constructed facility at 17-1 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka. This move consolidated radio and television operations into a single purpose-built structure designed specifically for broadcasting needs, marking a significant step in centralizing MBS's activities after nearly four decades of dispersed facilities.[7] The choice of the Chayamachi site was driven by its prime location in central Osaka's Umeda district, offering superior accessibility via major transportation networks like Hankyu Railway and subway lines, while aligning with ongoing urban redevelopment efforts to revitalize the area as a media and commercial hub. The new headquarters, a 15-story building completed on the former site of the Hankyu Department Store Distribution Center, incorporated state-of-the-art studios, control rooms, and transmission equipment at the time, facilitating smoother integration of radio and TV production workflows.[22] This relocation enhanced operational efficiency, particularly for live broadcasts, by reducing logistical challenges associated with split locations and improving coordination for regional coverage across the Kansai area. It also laid foundational infrastructure that supported future technological transitions, including preparations for digital broadcasting standards introduced in Japan during the early 2000s.[7] Further infrastructure upgrades occurred in 2013 with the completion of the B Building adjacent to the original structure on September 4, expanding the complex to include additional television studios, vehicle garages for broadcast equipment, and consolidated program production departments previously scattered across sites like Universal Studios Japan. Designed by Nikken Sekkei and constructed by Obayashi Corporation and Takenaka Corporation, the 15-story glass-clad addition increased overall production capacity and modernized facilities with advanced audio-visual systems.[23][22] The 2013 expansion significantly boosted MBS's ability to handle high-volume content creation, streamlining live event coverage and regional transmissions while integrating enhanced digital transmission capabilities to meet evolving broadcast demands. This development reinforced the Chayamachi headquarters as a key asset for efficient operations in a competitive media landscape.[23]Restructuring and Spin-Offs
In 2011, Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) completed its transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting as part of Japan's nationwide shift, fully discontinuing analog transmissions on July 24 and adopting the ISDB-T standard to enable high-definition programming across its network.[24] This move ended reliance on analog systems, improving broadcast quality and efficiency for viewers in the Kansai region while aligning with the Japan News Network (JNN) affiliates' standards for integrated services digital broadcasting. On April 1, 2017, MBS underwent a significant corporate restructuring by establishing MBS Media Holdings, Inc. as its parent company to better manage converging media assets in response to industry-wide digital and multimedia demands.[2] Under this certified broadcasting holding structure, the radio and television operations were transferred to a wholly owned subsidiary, which was renamed Mainichi Broadcasting System, Inc., allowing for streamlined oversight of non-broadcasting ventures alongside core media activities.[2] Further reorganization occurred on April 1, 2021, when MBS spun off its AM radio operations into a separate wholly owned subsidiary, MBS Radio Co., Ltd., to sharpen focus on television broadcasting under the main entity.[2][25] This separation enabled specialized management of radio assets while reinforcing the television division's emphasis on digital content production and distribution.[25] Following the 2021 spin-off, MBS has prioritized expansion in digital television capabilities, including enhanced HD and streaming integrations for select programming, with no additional major corporate restructurings reported through 2025.[2] This strategic direction supports ongoing adaptations to viewer preferences for on-demand and multi-platform access in the post-analog era.[26]Programming and Content
Television Genres and Formats
Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) primarily broadcasts a mix of news, entertainment, and educational content, reflecting its role as the key station for the Japan News Network (JNN) in the Kansai region. News programming includes local bulletins tailored to Kansai audiences, integrated with national JNN feeds from TBS, providing coverage of regional events, weather, and current affairs throughout the day.[26] Entertainment forms a core pillar of MBS's offerings, encompassing variety shows that highlight Osaka's vibrant comedy traditions and cultural nuances, as well as dramas that explore contemporary Japanese life with a regional perspective. These formats emphasize lively, interactive content that resonates with local viewers, often incorporating Kansai dialect and humor to foster a sense of community. Anime and sports programming further diversify the entertainment slate, with dedicated time slots for animated series and live sports events, appealing to younger demographics and sports enthusiasts in the region.[27][26] Educational content traces its roots to MBS's early affiliation with the Nippon Educational Television (NET) network starting in 1959, when programming focused on instructional and cultural enlightenment. Following the network switch to JNN on March 31, 1975, MBS evolved toward a more comprehensive mix, blending educational elements into niche formats like documentaries that address social issues, science, and history with a Kansai lens. This shift marked a transition from predominantly didactic broadcasts to a balanced approach that maintains educational value within broader entertainment contexts.[19] MBS's daily programming structure typically features morning news segments for commuters and families, afternoon slots dedicated to variety and talk shows, and evening hours reserved for dramas and prime-time entertainment, seamlessly integrating national TBS content with local inserts to customize relevance for Kansai viewers. This schedule ensures a rhythmic flow that caters to diverse audience routines while prioritizing regional identity.[26] In terms of production, MBS emphasizes in-house creation for a substantial portion of its airtime, combining live broadcasts—common in news and variety—for immediacy with pre-recorded formats in dramas and anime to ensure quality and narrative depth. This balanced style supports the station's philosophy of delivering content that is both nationally representative and distinctly Kansai-oriented, as articulated in its corporate mission.[1]Notable Programs and Productions
Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) has produced a range of flagship programs since its television launch in 1959, with news broadcasting forming a core component from the outset. The daily news program MBSニュース, which delivers up-to-date coverage of local Kansai events, national developments, and international affairs, has been a staple since the early days of television operations, evolving through various formats to provide live reporting tailored to the region.[28][2] Among long-running series, the documentary program 情熱大陸 (Jonetsu Tairiku), which premiered in April 1997, stands out for profiling influential figures across arts, business, and sports through in-depth interviews and footage. This series, broadcast weekly, has garnered acclaim for its intimate portrayals and has aired over 1,000 episodes, influencing public discourse on personal achievement in Japan.[29] In variety programming, よしもと新喜劇 (Yoshimoto Shin-Kigeki), a comedy showcase featuring improvisational sketches by the Yoshimoto troupe, holds the distinction as one of Japan's longest-running TV programs, debuting in 1962 and continuing to draw audiences with its regional humor rooted in Kansai culture. Several variety shows, including those hosted by prominent comedians, have received the Galaxy Award, Japan's prestigious broadcast honor for excellence in programming.[30][31] MBS's drama output includes notable Kansai-focused series like Midnight Diner (Shinya Shokudo), an anthology exploring everyday lives through late-night diner vignettes, which won the Most Popular Foreign Drama award at the 2015 Seoul International Drama Awards for its universal themes of human connection. The network produces approximately 17 original drama titles annually across slots like Drama Shower and Dramaism, emphasizing slice-of-life stories and regional narratives.[32][33] Early educational documentaries from the 1960s onward, such as those on local history and culture, laid the foundation for MBS's reputation in factual programming, while modern anime co-productions like Jujutsu Kaisen (2020) highlight its contributions to animation, blending supernatural elements with character-driven stories popular in the Kansai market. Programs like local election coverage under MBSニュース have impacted regional politics by providing detailed voter analysis and live debates, contributing to informed civic engagement in the Kansai area.[34]Co-Productions and Network Contributions
Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) serves as the key station for the Kansai region within the Japan News Network (JNN), collaborating closely with Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) on co-productions that enhance national programming. These efforts include joint production of news specials, where MBS provides localized Kansai perspectives to support JNN's nationwide coverage, contributing to the network's 24-hour news cycle through regional feeds and story exchanges among its 28 affiliate stations.[1] In the realm of dramas, MBS partners with TBS to develop and broadcast series that air nationally, such as My Home Hero (2023), a suspense thriller co-produced by both networks and featuring themes of family protection and crime. Similarly, MBS leads the co-production of the late-night Animeism programming block, which debuted in 2006 and airs on TBS and other JNN affiliates, showcasing anime titles like Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–2021) that blend regional production expertise with network-wide distribution.[33][35] For sports coverage, MBS contributes Kansai-specific reporting, such as Hanshin Tigers baseball games, to TBS primetime slots, developing shared formats that integrate local events into national broadcasts.[1] Occasionally, MBS ventures into international co-productions targeting Asian markets, exemplified by its 2024 partnership with ADN, GKIDS, and Muse Communication for the anime series Dandadan, which combines Japanese production with global distribution strategies to appeal to international viewers. The series' second season aired from July to September 2025. Post-2021, following its corporate restructuring, MBS has emphasized digital co-productions, including pilots for streaming platforms that leverage JNN resources for online-exclusive content, reflecting a shift toward hybrid broadcast-digital models.[36][37]Broadcast Availability
Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting
Mainichi Broadcasting System's digital terrestrial television operations employ the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard, the national format for high-definition and multimedia broadcasting in Japan. The service operates under the callsign JOOY-DTV with a remote controller button assignment of 4, enabling seamless channel selection for viewers in the Kansai region. Digital transmissions commenced in test form in 2003, with full regular service following national rollout guidelines, and became the exclusive broadcasting method after the analog shutdown on July 24, 2011.[5][38] The primary transmission facility is situated on Mount Ikoma in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, at approximately 34°40′38″N 135°40′44″E, a strategic elevation optimized for propagation across urban and suburban terrains in the Osaka vicinity. This main transmitter delivers an effective radiated power (ERP) of 24 kW on UHF channel 16 (491.142857 MHz), ensuring robust signal strength while adhering to spectrum allocation rules set by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Auxiliary facilities and repeaters extend coverage to remote areas within the licensed zone.[39][40] The broadcasting footprint centers on the Osaka and broader Kansai region, encompassing Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama prefectures, serving over 10 million households in this key economic hub of western Japan. This reach supports approximately 22 million residents, representing about 17% of the national population and facilitating high penetration for news, entertainment, and regional content. Digital capabilities allow for multi-subchannel multiplexing, typically featuring one primary high-definition (HD) stream for main programs alongside standard-definition (SD) repeats or supplementary feeds, such as dedicated HD news slots during peak hours.[4][41] ISDB-T integration enables advanced data broadcasting using the BML (Broadcast Markup Language) protocol, supporting interactive services like electronic program guides, real-time voting in quizzes, weather updates, and linked mobile applications for enhanced viewer engagement. These features, standard across Japanese terrestrial digital networks, allow MBS to deliver value-added content without interrupting video streams. The system remains compliant with evolving national digital mandates in the 2020s, including spectrum efficiency measures for coexistence with mobile services and preparations for next-generation enhancements like hybrid IP-broadcast delivery.[42]Analog Broadcasting History
Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) initiated analog television broadcasting on March 1, 1959, utilizing VHF channel 4 with the callsign JOOR-TV, marking its entry as the fourth television station in Osaka to begin operations.[2][19] These initial broadcasts were exclusively in black and white, serving the Kansai region and aligning with the early expansion of commercial television in Japan following the launch of NHK's services.[2] Color television transmission began on April 1, 1967, enhancing visual quality and aligning with national advancements in broadcasting technology that year.[2] The analog system operated from a primary transmitter in Osaka, providing coverage primarily across the Kansai area, including prefectures such as Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto, with signal propagation similar to the later digital footprint in terms of regional reach.[2] Urban challenges, such as potential signal interference in densely populated areas like central Osaka, were inherent to VHF operations but managed through standard engineering practices of the era. MBS's analog broadcasting concluded on July 24, 2011, coinciding with Japan's nationwide termination of analog signals at noon, a process delayed in three disaster-affected prefectures following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.[38] In anticipation of this shutdown, MBS contributed to extensive public awareness efforts mandated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, including on-screen countdowns displaying remaining days to the switch-off starting July 1, 2011, and informational programming to guide households on digital converter adoption.[43]Channel Frequencies and Coverage
The Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) operates its digital terrestrial television signal on physical channel 16 in the UHF band, corresponding to a frequency range of 488–494 MHz, with a remote control ID of 4 for viewer selection on set-top boxes and televisions.[44] This setup aligns with Japan's ISDB-T standard, which supports layered transmission using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and modulation schemes up to 64-QAM to enable high-definition broadcasting and mobile reception within the 6 MHz channel bandwidth.[45] Historically, MBS's analog television broadcasts utilized VHF channel 4 in the high band (170–176 MHz), with the video carrier frequency at 171.25 MHz, allowing NTSC-compatible transmission until the nationwide analog shutdown on July 24, 2011.[46] The signal parameters included amplitude modulation for video and frequency modulation for audio, with omnidirectional antenna patterns at the primary transmitter site to achieve broad urban coverage in the Osaka metropolitan area. MBS's broadcast coverage encompasses the Kansai region, serving approximately 22 million residents across Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama prefectures, representing about 17% of Japan's population.[4] Following Japan's full transition to digital terrestrial television in 2011, digital penetration reached 100% in the Kansai region by 2020, supported by a network of repeater stations that extend signals to rural and mountainous areas, ensuring reliable reception beyond the main transmitter's direct line-of-sight.[47] Common reception challenges in densely populated urban environments, such as multipath interference from high-rise buildings, are mitigated through community repeater systems and enhanced indoor antennas, which relay and amplify the 64-QAM modulated signals for improved signal-to-noise ratios in obstructed locations.[48]| Aspect | Digital (Current) | Analog (Historical) |
|---|---|---|
| Channel | Physical: 16 (UHF) Virtual/Remote ID: 4 | 4 (VHF high-band) |
| Frequency Range | 488–494 MHz | 170–176 MHz (video carrier: 171.25 MHz) |
| Modulation | OFDM with up to 64-QAM | AM (video), FM (audio) |
| Coverage Extension | Repeater stations for rural Kansai | Limited by VHF propagation; urban-focused |
References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:MBS_Radio