Nihon Shinbun Kyokai, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, has released its annual survey of the Japanese press. As always, it includes a summary of industry trends, as well as a media directory.
Last year was a tough one for newspapers, as the country's economic woes continued to bite. Gross advertising expenditures fell for the second consecutive year. All advertising expenditures for the four mass media (newspapers, magazines, radio and television) dropped, causing a loss of profits for all.
Circulation increased for the first time in two years, climbing 0.2 percent. The association is concerned, however, that rising numbers of Internet users could produce a drop in newspaper readership. In response, media organizations are seeking new audiences in multimedia.
In 1999, the media came under heightened scrutiny. Liberal Democratic Party study groups reported on their mass-media monitoring. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations adopted a resolution on appropriate reporting, prevention of victimization and relief for people abused by reporting. The NSK created a Study Group on Matters concerning Human Rights and Personal Information to examine media responsibility and individual rights.
This book is available at the Nippon Press Center, 2-2-1 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda- ku, Tokyo (03) 3591-4401, www.pressnet.or.jp