The integration of broadcasting and communications services will be the first of its kind by a major domestic TV station.

Nippon TV will have a Web site at which registered users will be able to download programs already broadcast on TV for ¥100 each, the officials said. There will be no membership fees, they added.

The downloadable programs, which will have no copyright restrictions, might be divided into several three- to 15-minute segments, the officials said.

Nippon TV also plans to create programs specifically for Internet-based distribution but will broadcast them first on television.

Rival Fuji Television Network Inc. also plans to make some of its TV programs available on the Internet, but no details have been announced.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 16, 2005
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