[NEWS Dec 5] Fuji TV F1 Revival and Japan Series X Top Spot. Commercial Broadcaster 4K Struggles, TBS Shareholder Benefit Changes, and More
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▶ October 2025 TV Program X Post Count: Pro Baseball Japan Series Takes 1st Place. Live Sports and Special Programs Boost SNS Posts
Video Research's "Buzz View!" has announced the TV program X (formerly Twitter) post count ranking for October 2025 (September 29 to November 2).
Taking the top spot was TV Asahi's "2025 Pro Baseball Japan Series: Hanshin vs. SoftBank Game 5," which garnered approximately 233,000 posts.
It is believed that the number of posts per minute spiked significantly, particularly at the moment SoftBank clinched the championship and during Isami Nomura's go-ahead solo home run.
Second place went to Nippon TV's "Golden SixTONES 2-Hour SP" (approx. 173,000 posts), and third place went to TBS's "Day of Comedy Part 2 (King of Conte 2025)" (approx. 136,000 posts). The King of Conte saw excitement during the moment Long Coat Daddy was declared the winner, while TBS's 4th place "All-Star Thanksgiving '25 Autumn" drew viewer interest with Satoshi Tsumabuki winning 1 million yen in archery and the finish of the Akasaka Mini Marathon.
This highlights once again that live sports, large-scale variety shows, and specials featuring popular groups tend to encourage active social media posting by viewers.
【Dinko's Comment】
The trend of live sports and large-scale specials driving the volume of conversation on X is clear.
Creating moments where program content livens up social media in real-time seems to be the key to measuring "viewing quality" beyond just ratings.
▶ NABJ points out sluggish advertising revenue for BS4K broadcasting and proposes a business model review to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Recommends free competition for 4K distribution
The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA) has submitted an opinion paper regarding the draft of the second summary by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Satellite Broadcasting Working Group."
They pointed out that the recognition that commercial BS4K broadcasting advertising revenue is extremely low and cost recovery is impossible is accurate, and that since the start of the new 4K8K satellite broadcasting in December 2018, the 4K broadcasting balance of key station-affiliated satellite broadcasters has remained in a severe situation.
They view the re-examination of the business model as an urgent issue.
Furthermore, regarding platforms that distribute 4K content, they agreed that video distribution business, excluding NHK, is a free competition area not subject to the Broadcast Act.
They evaluated the working group's stance as appropriate, suggesting that each broadcaster should comprehensively analyze and evaluate revenue models, technical requirements, rights processing, operating costs, data utilization, and capital relationships while considering viewer interests.
【Dinko's Comment】 The sluggish advertising revenue for commercial BS4K has become serious, and it is clear that a fundamental review of the business model is unavoidable.
Leaving 4K distribution to individual judgment can be read as a sign of intensifying competition and industry restructuring, a phase where each company's strategy will be tested.
▶ Fuji TV acquires exclusive broadcasting and distribution rights for all F1 races starting in 2026. First terrestrial broadcast in 11 years, with FOD and F1 TV collaboration
Fuji TV has announced that it has concluded an exclusive all-rights contract for F1 in Japan, and will exclusively hold the rights for broadcasting and distribution for five years from 2026 to 2030.
Since starting broadcasts in 1987, the year the F1 Japanese Grand Prix was first held in Suzuka, 2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of Fuji TV's F1 coverage.
A terrestrial broadcast has been decided for the first time in 11 years, with plans to air digests for up to 5 races.
The CS broadcast 'Fuji TV NEXT Live Premium' and the internet channel 'Fuji TV NEXTsmart' will broadcast all sessions of all 24 races live, and for the first time, the video streaming service 'FOD' will also provide live coverage.
In a first for Japan, FOD is also launching a collaboration with the official F1 streaming service 'F1 TV' to offer a diverse range of F1 content.
Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu has announced the launch of an 'F1 Boom-Up Committee' to deliver the appeal of F1 not only to long-time fans but also to new generations, signaling a company-wide effort.
[Dinko's Comment]
The return of F1 to terrestrial broadcasting after 11 years will surely contribute significantly to acquiring a new audience. The collaboration between FOD and F1 TV also expands streaming options, which is truly great news for fans, isn't it?
Expanding across diverse platforms is an excellent strategy that captures current trends in the media industry.
▶ TBSHD Shareholder Benefit Changes: A Move to Strengthen Content Strategy and Shareholder Engagement
TBS Holdings announced partial changes to its shareholder benefit program on December 4, 2025.
The new system will apply to shareholders listed in the shareholder registry as of March 31, 2026.
The company is focusing on pursuing the 'Timeless Value' of content IP under its 'TBS Group VISION 2030' and 'Medium-Term Management Plan 2026,' and this review is part of that effort.
The aim appears to be providing shareholders with direct opportunities to experience the group's rich content, deepening their understanding, and encouraging increased stock ownership.
Key changes include the removal of 'Tokyo 2025 World Athletics-related initiatives' from the previous benefits, while new initiatives related to 'TBS Group-related fan events' have been added for shareholders holding 300 shares or more.
Additionally, popular benefits such as QUO cards, large-scale program rehearsals, SASUKE recording viewings, TBS shopping discounts, and office tours have had their conditions finely adjusted based on the number of shares held and the duration of continuous ownership.
Attractive opportunities such as invitations to movies and events, and viewing the Japan Record Awards will continue to be offered, giving the impression that the choices available to shareholders have become clearer.
[Dinko's Comment]
TBSHD's strategy of pursuing content value is strongly reflected in their shareholder benefits.
The creation of new fan events shows a unique perspective that views shareholders not just as investors, but as 'content customers'.
▶ ARRI and The HELM Form Strategic Partnership for Live Broadcasting
The HELM, which handles cinema-quality live broadcast workflows, and ARRI, a manufacturer of professional cinema camera systems, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at redefining live broadcast production.
With this, The HELM becomes ARRI's first global Live Solution Partner, marking a significant milestone in integrating ARRI's multi-camera technology into live broadcast environments worldwide.
As a global integration partner for ARRI's live production, The HELM will provide turnkey solutions, project delivery, and technical leadership.
They will realize cinema-quality imagery with full workflow support, accelerating the adoption of ARRI live broadcast solutions for concert tours, live broadcasts, film and television, and corporate events.
Both companies will collaborate on marketing, technical development, training, and pilot projects to promote the accurate and reliable integration of cinema camera solutions into broadcast workflows.
The HELM has a proven track record using ARRI technology, including the ALEXA 35 Live – Multicam System, and Chris Richter of ARRI and Josh Moffat of The HELM state that this partnership will redefine new possibilities by bringing legendary image quality and reliability to every live production.
[Dinko's Word]
Cinema-quality video is now possible even in live broadcasts.
Convergence across industry boundaries will create new viewing experiences. This is a step that will significantly change the future of video production.
▶ Fuji TV's unsolved case program wins top prize at Asian International Awards, legal reform proposals also recognized
On the night of Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Fuji TV news program "New Testimony x New Facts: The Setagaya Family Murder Case - 'The Key to Solving'" won the top prize in the news program category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2025 held in Singapore.
This international award determines the number one content selected from 17 countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific, and this is the first time a Fuji TV program has achieved the feat of winning the top prize.
The program presented a new profile of the perpetrator based on meticulous investigative reporting on an unsolved case in Japan, as well as uniquely obtained crime scene photos and DNA analysis from the Metropolitan Police Department.
Furthermore, the point that it advocated for the necessity of legal reform to introduce American DNA profiling technology to Japan was highly evaluated for its journalistic quality, deep insight, and stance of approaching the truth.
[Dinko's Word]
The fact that persistent investigative reporting on unsolved cases has been internationally recognized demonstrates the high quality of Japanese journalism.
The proposal for legal reform is also wonderful.
