Japan’s English-language public television station is now available to cable and over-the-air viewers in Utah. NHK World-Japan has become available in the Salt Lake City market, thanks to a partnership between NHK World-Japan and KUEN Channel 9. KUEN is an educational independent television station licensed to Ogden. The station is owned by the Utah State Board of Regents and is operated by the Utah Education Network on behalf of higher education as well as public education.
The announcement was made by Masaru Shiromoto, president and CEO of Japan International Broadcasting and Laura Hunter, chief operating officer and station manager of KUEN.
“We are especially pleased with the partnership with KUEN and the opportunity to be a part of the Salt Lake City community,” said Shiromoto. “NHK World-Japan’s mission is to present the rich culture of Japan and Asia and to provide global news from the Asian perspective. It matched perfectly with Utah Education Network’s mission to enrich lives and strengthen communities through the power of media.”
“The addition of NHK World-Japan to our channel lineup offers viewers a variety of engaging programming options,” said Hunter. “For people across Utah with an interest in international news, as well as in Japanese culture, NHK World-Japan’s wide range of programs and series provides a fresh new look and a decidedly global perspective.”
NHK World-Japan is a 24/7 network featuring original television programming from NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.), the country’s only public broadcaster. It delivers a blend of programming featuring hourly live international news from Tokyo and news bureaus around the globe, along with programs on Japanese society, politics, scientific advancement, culture, history, food and lifestyle.
NHK World-Japan can be seen on Comcast channels 389 and 1152 and over-the-air digital channel 9.4.
Salt Lake City joins New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Atlanta; Seattle; Denver; Orlando; Charlotte and Baltimore carrying the Japanese channel, which reaches over 325 million households in 160 countries.