TV station for weak and downtrodden people to be launched soon, but ...

*Hiragana Times CIA(Cynically Insulting Agency)

As the “Livedoor scandal” was unfolding, it was pointed out that the media, in particular TV stations, that had described Horiemon as a hero, played a significant role in the scandal. Under these circumstances, “Weak People’s TV,” a unique internet TV broadcasting company specializing in news and reports from the perspectives of weak people, is now being established. Hiragana Times asked Mr. KIYONO Makoto, an Executive Director of the company, about the reasons for its establishment.

CIA: What is the difference between your TV station and ordinary TV stations?

Director: Commentator's comments, frequency and length of exposure have a big influence on many people. You surely saw the crazy scenes during the election, didn’t you? Thousands of people supported Horiemon and the female “assassin” candidates, in spite of unknowing who they were. Were there any commentators who described oriemon as a suspicious person? Did any of the TV stations report on his election campaign in the same way as they did for other andidates? It is dreadful to observe the fact that most Japanese
media reports from the same viewpoint.

CIA: What’s your point?

Director: In short, they didn’t treat the candidates fairly. They should have reported other candidates more equally. For example, it is said that Japan is recovering from recession, but only a handful of ompanies that are making big profits appear in the mass media. So do the commentators, most of whom are high income earners and enjoying successful lives. TV staff who make these TV programs also receive high salaries. In other words, all those involved in the programs belong to a so-called “winners’ group.” You can’t say the programs made by these people are fair enough at all.

CIA: Well then, what do you want to do with your new TV station?

Director: There are lots of the oppressed people around the world. For instance, we will invite managing directors of leading companies making large profits as guests, and at the same time, we will invite ex-employees who were laid off by them, and ask for their opinions. TV viewers will certainly then see the truth of both sides. We will also equally invite socially weak people, including people working in local areas, small companies, homeless people and the handicapped.

CIA: That is wonderful, but aren’t there going to be problems?

Director: In fact, weak people are ignorant and indifferent about social structures, and easily influenced. Furthermore, they are not aware of it. Despite of being oppressed, weak people long for the lifestyle of people like Horiemon. Since the Koizumi cabinet was inaugurated, the merit system has been adopted by many companies. Under the merit system, the more capable you are, the more remuneration you can receive. As a result, the majority of people receive remuneration than the average. The funny thing is that weak people tend to support the merit system. They lack the ability to view themselves objectively.

CIA: How do you operate the company?

Director: It will be difficult to find sponsors as they see our programs are critical to established society. Therefore, we are planning to charge a viewing fee. We hope weak people will understand our situation, but our survey results showed things may be difficult for us. Audiences will readily pay for porn channels, but not for serious programs that disclose social ills. Contrary to our intentions, those who agreed to pay answered that they want to feel superior to weak people. After all, the idea of saving weak people is wrong, isn’t it?

*Hiragana Times CIA(Cynically Insulting Agency)

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