Distorted Relationship Between TV Stations and Entertainment Agencies Amidst ‘Sexual Harassment’ Issue of Johnny’s
NHK has remained bullish, exposing scandals in its own stations following the NG list.
On the other hand, there are other problems besides Johnny’s. The commercial broadcasters continue to have a distorted relationship with other major entertainment companies. A senior executive at a key station revealed,
“The relationship between TV stations and entertainment agencies can hardly be called equal. An easy example is the theme songs for TV dramas. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases where TV stations let the agencies of the lead actors decide which artist will be in charge of the theme song of a drama.”
“This has caused anger among producers, directors, and others. A TV drama is a work of art, including the theme song. If the office’s requests are passed over those of the production team, it is no wonder that the office and the TV station are said to be in a master-servant relationship.”
Furthermore, entertainment agencies sometimes benefit from decisions regarding drama theme songs.
“Some of the major agencies always assign an artist belonging to a particular label to be in charge of the theme song,” he said.
“In many cases, when the lid is lifted, the firm owns a stake in the record company that is the major label.”
“If the music of the nominated artist is actually used, it will contribute to the record company’s performance, and furthermore, to the profits of the office that owns the stock. It is unhealthy for the theme song to be decided based on such circumstances.”
The “master-servant” relationship between major entertainment agencies and commercial TV stations continues. Will Johnny’s issue be an opportunity to break free from this distorted relationship?
PHOTO: Kazuhiko NAKAMURA