Can NHK become an internationally known broadcaster like the BBC or CNN?
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi hopes so. Earlier this month, he asked Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Heizo Takenaka to consider expanding the public broadcaster's global services by shifting resources from its other businesses.
Britain, China, France and South Korea have been strengthening their international TV broadcasting presence and observers say Japan needs to work harder if it wants to get its message across and present a clearer picture of its perspective on various issues.