Although they are not listed in the program schedules of
either newspapers or special magazines, after-hours
television programs are enjoying a quiet popularity in
Japan.
These extra programs, which are aired through the night
from the end of regular programming on one day (around 3:30
to 4:00 a.m.) to the beginning of programming on the next,
consist of videotapes of natural scenery or other contents
accompanied by music.
Such programs began with the aim of keeping the
television ready to swiftly carry teletext and other
information in the event of any emergency news coming in
during the night, such as news about a major earthquake or
other natural disaster. But now the after-hours programs are
becoming popular in themselves, on some nights garnering a
3% audience rating, and other TV stations are planning to
jump on the bandwagon.
Environmental Images Replace Sandstorm Screen
Previously, upon the completion of their regular programs at
night, TV stations would switch off their transmitters,
leaving just sandstorm images on the screen and a jarring
noise coming through the speakers. A growing number of
viewers complained about the discomfort to both eyes and
ears. The TV stations, meanwhile, realized the need to be
prepared for a smoother switch to emergency broadcasting.
The first to move was Fuji Television Network, which
switched to the after-hours broadcasting of images
accompanied by music in December 1994.
As material for the after-hours programs, Fuji uses
images that were taken on location for overseas
documentaries or domestic dramas but not used or scenes
taken by remote-control cameras installed at various places
around the country. Apparently Fuji also uses videotapes
taken by technical staff on their own initiative. The cost
of this after-hours service is minimal--just small fees for
electricity and circuit use.
Ratings Exceed 3%
When Fuji started the after-hours service, the share of TV
households viewing the programming was less than 0.1%. But
since then its ratings have moved up gradually, registering
3.4% on one day during spring vacation. When Nippon
Television Network launched after-hours broadcasting in
April 1995, viewers became split between the two stations.
But between four and five o'clock on a weekday morning, the
combined rating of these two stations reached 3%-4%.
Certainly, when people are suffering from stress and
wake up in the middle of the night, they tend to switch on
the TV for comfort. If all they get is a sandstorm screen
and noisy static, their stress will probably only get worse.
But if they are greeted by a pleasant scene and some
soothing music, maybe they will feel calmer and relax.
Fuji is as surprised by the popularity of the
broadcasts as anyone else. "From young people who are
studying for examinations to elderly people who get up
early, many viewers have asked us to continue the service,"
commented a spokesperson.
(The above article, edited by Japan Echo Inc., is based on domestic Japanese news sources. It is offered for reference purposes and does not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Japanese Government.)