The Unusual Approach Entertainment Agencies Are Taking with Fuji TV

Injunction on commercials is a reasonable decision

It has been a month since the domino effect of CM suspensions, sparked by former president Hiroshi Minato’s (72) kamishibai press conference, but the public’s scrutiny remains intense.

In the latest public opinion poll conducted by Mainichi Shimbun, 58% of respondents agreed that it was reasonable for companies to suspend their commercials on Fuji TV, significantly outpacing the 16% who thought it was not reasonable. Additionally, when asked, “What do you think should be done to restore trust?” the most common response, at 52%, was a change in the management team.

Fuji TV and its parent holding company, Fuji Media Holdings, have set up an independent third-party committee to investigate the series of issues surrounding Masahiro Nakai’s (52) alleged troubles with women. This committee has established a dedicated hotline on the internet, inviting information from external sources, and plans to compile a report on the facts and the company’s response by the end of March.

With around 80 companies having suspended their commercials, the return of these advertisers seems distant, and there are no signs of the controversy dying down. However, there have been new developments on the side of talent agencies. A representative from a talent agency, which manages many comedians, shared some insights into the situation.

“Usually, when a TV station offers a role for a show, the manager in charge makes the decision. Most of the time, the details, like schedules and fees, are worked out by the on-site team. However, in the case of Fuji TV, more and more agencies are taking an ‘unusual approach.'”

What exactly is this new approach?