Fuji Television Network Inc. is planning to absorb all or part of its subsidiary, Nippon Broadcasting System Inc., sources said Friday.
Fuji TV might divide NBS into a radio broadcasting firm and an asset management company, and is considering absorbing the asset management unit, the sources said.
The major broadcaster might refrain from taking over the radio operation as government regulations prohibit any entity from controlling multiple broadcasting stations. The move would enable Fuji TV to acquire the 20 percent stake NBS has in the TV broadcaster.
Absorbing NBS might be a way for Fuji TV to straighten out its complicated capital relations with the radio station, the sources said.
When Internet firm Livedoor Co. attempted a hostile takeover of Nippon Broadcasting, Fuji TV felt threatened because of that 20 percent stake NBS holds in it. Livedoor's bid, which was later abandoned, was believed to have been part of a plan to acquire some control in Fuji TV.
TBS on 'last' queries
Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. sent Friday what it says is its last set of queries for its biggest shareholder, Rakuten Inc., which is seeking to form a business and capital tieup with the TV network, TBS officials said.
TBS is asking the Internet mall operator to provide information on its financial standing in and after October by the end of next week, according to the officials.
TBS is examining Rakuten's earnings in the July-September quarter of the current business year, they said, adding that the broadcaster also asked for Rakuten's views on the role of media organizations in the public.
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