Fuji TV's Troubles Deepen: Apology, Resignation, and Lost Revenue

On February 27, Fuji TV and its parent company, Fuji Media Holdings (FMH), held a regular board meeting. After the meeting, FMH President Osamu Kanemitsu spoke to the press. Kanemitsu announced that director and senior advisor Hisashi Hieda had resigned that day from his position on the board's Management Advisory Committee. The committee provides advice and recommendations to the board regarding executive appointments.

Kanemitsu reported that Hieda had fallen at his home, suffering a compression fracture in his lumbar spine. Hieda, whose resignation was demanded by some outside investors, missed the board meeting because he was hospitalized from the injury. He remains a director of Fuji Media Holdings.

Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu also spoke to reporters after the meeting. President Shimizu addressed the issue stemming from a conflict involving former entertainer Masahiro Nakai and a Fuji TV female employee. He once again apologized, stating that "the company failed to respond appropriately."

*Hieda at the New Year's Party (Fuji TV).*

Reform and Recovery

During the board meeting, an interim report was presented on the progress of the "Revitalization and Reform Project Headquarters." Fuji TV launched this project on February 6 to implement measures for preventing recurrence and improving the company culture.

The company has already begun implementing initiatives, such as establishing guidelines that all employees and executives must follow when attending social gatherings and meetings. It is also working to strengthen the effectiveness of its compliance system.

With advertisers pulling out, President Shimizu revealed that the company's broadcasting revenue for February had dropped by 90% compared to the previous year. As for the outlook beyond April, he stated, "We are unable to assess the impact at this time."

A third-party committee is currently conducting an investigation into this matter, aiming to compile a report by the end of March.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun