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

One of JAMCO’s most valuable assets is the JAMCO Video Library of Japanese TV programmes. Every year, JAMCO selects some of the best TV programmes made in Japan and produces international editions of those programmes. The JAMCO Video Library now contains 1,336 video titles that are 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 dramas, documentaries, and children’s or educational programmes greatly contributes to better understanding of Japan overseas.

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

Following the new format introduced in 2001, the 18th International Symposium takes place on the JAMCO website over a period of six weeks beginning 16 January 2009. This year the forum addresses the theme of “Public-Service Broadcasts of Asian Countries,” shedding a light on the situations surrounding the public-service broadcast in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan.

First, Professor Mafumi MURASE of Rikkyo University will kick off the discussion with his broad-scoped presentation on Japan’s public-service broadcast of NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).

Next comes, Assistant Professor Supanee Nitsmer of Ramkhamhaeng University with an excellent presentation on the public-service broadcast in Thailand.

From Indonesia, Mr. Frederik Ndolu, Chairman of Indonesiasatu Communication, will give the inside-story of the Indonesian public-service broadcast.

Then, Assistant Professor Amy Daquilanea-Tanoy of University of the Philippines, Visayas will deliver a report of the local situation over the Public-Service Broadcast Bill and the long-waited birth of the Philippine’s national public-service broadcast.

Finally, Professor Haruko YAMASHITA of Meikai University will make a comparative analysis of public-service broadcasts in Asian countries.

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 comments and questions to the JAMCO website before the 28th of February 2009.

This forum has been made possible by generous grants from The Japan Foundation and the Hoso Bunka Foundation. I am also grateful to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan Broadcasting Corporation, and the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan for their invaluable support.