The Japan Media Communication Center (JAMCO) is a non-profit organisation established in 1991 to serve the public interest. Its mandate is to promote international exchange and better understanding between Japan and the rest of the world through broadcasting media, and at the same time to help foster broadcasting in developing countries and elsewhere in the world.

One of JAMCO’s most valuable assets is the JAMCO Video Library. Every year JAMCO selects some of the best TV programmes made in Japan and produces their international editions. The JAMCO Video Library now contains over 1,200 video titles that are made available to broadcasters in developing countries free of charge via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and The Japan Foundation. It goes without saying that airing of excellent Japanese TV dramas, documentaries, and children’s, or educational programmes greatly contributes to better understanding of Japan overseas.

The annual international symposium on the various themes relating to current and future global broadcasting issues is another achievement of which we are proud. JAMCO has been organising a series of symposia continuously since its establishment. In a time when the influence of television is tremendously increasing in all parts of the globe, it is truly significant to provide a forum where experts of the world can exchange ideas and information regarding the media.

Following the new format introduced in 2001, the 17th international symposium again takes place on the JAMCO website over a period of one month beginning the 1st of February 2008. This year the forum addresses the theme of “Trans-border TV Broadcastings of Non-English Speaking Countries”.

Last year we observed what foreign countries the Chinese, the Korean, and the Japanese people look at and for what reasons. This year, we will examine the trans-border broadcasts of these three countries of Northeast Asia to see what they are trying to convey to the audience beyond their borders.

From China we will have a thorough presentation of China Central Television International, one of the first Asian broadcasters to commence world-wide broadcasting in English, and some other foreign languages. Professor Kiyoshi Takai of Hokkaido University, Sapporo will discuss the CCTV’s international broadcasting in light of the Chinese foreign policy.

From Korea we will have a self-introductory presentation of Arirang TV, another pioneer of global TV broadcasting in foreign languages. Associate Professor Kim Jung Hoon of Keio University, Tokyo, a young scholar emerging on the Japanese national media, will comment on the trans-border TV broadcasts of Korea.

From Japan, the Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) will give us a full presentation on their world-wide TV and radio broadcasts. Professor Yoshihiro Oto of Sophia University, Tokyo will discuss Japan’s trans-border TV broadcasts with his wide knowledge of the discussions made in Japan on the topic over the years.

We would welcome frank opinions and questions from the public on those presentations and discussions. If you wish to be a part of the forum, please send your message to the JAMCO website before the 29th of February 2008.

This symposium has been made possible by the generous grants from The Japan Foundation and the Hoso Bunka Foundation. I am also grateful for the invaluable supports of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), and the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters of Japan.