Monday, January 22, 2007

NHK begins data broadcast for earthquakes and tsunamis

The Chairman of Japanese public broadcaster NHK, Genichi Hashimoto, announced at his January press conference that NHK would commence data broadcasts from January 17th, marking the 12th anniversary of the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that ravaged the Kobe area in 1995. The service will provide details about earthquakes and tsunamis via data broadcasts for digital satellite, digital terrestrial and One Seg services.
Mr Hashimoto said: “This service will enable people to obtain earthquake- or tsunami-related details easily and at any time, even when he/she missed emergency news bulletins on TV. We plan to make use of the merits of digital broadcasting in preparing against disasters and mitigating the damage, and provide information that will ensure people’s safety and security and information that will protect their lives and property.”
(Source: NHK/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)