Miyaneya Cancellation Buzz Sparks Nippon TV–Yomiuri TV Battle Over Miyane

Yomiuri TV desperately trying to persuade him

Freelance announcer Seiji Miyane (62), who hosts Jōhō Live Miyaneya (Nippon TV network, produced by Yomiuri TV), is reported by Josei Seven Plus to be ending the program in the October schedule revamp. Sources close to the matter confirm that this move is indeed in progress.

“Not only Josei Seven, but other media outlets have reported Miyane’s departure, and entertainment media attention has already shifted to who will replace him. Names being discussed include Mayuko Wakuda (37), who left NHK, and Erina Iwata (30), who left Nippon TV this spring and is scheduled to join the same agency as Miyane. Since this is a weekday slot from Monday to Friday, the pay is enormous, and negotiations between production agencies have already begun,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

Normally, a new host would be appointed and a successor program created, but it isn’t that simple. A Yomiuri TV insider explained:

“Actually, Miyane had expressed his intention to step down to the station two or three years ago. However, Yomiuri TV desperately tried to persuade him to stay. So when the reports of his departure came out, it felt like finally, the time has come. From now on, it might truly become a big challenge for us,” he sighed.

A cash cow in terms of revenue

For about 20 years, Miyaneya has reigned as the top afternoon wide show in viewer ratings. Although it is nationally broadcast, the program is produced not by Nippon TV, the key station, but by Yomiuri TV in Osaka. This twist creates a tense atmosphere as the program ends.

“Miyane stepping down obviously means the program will end as well. At the same time, Nippon TV will surely demand that the broadcast slot be returned. But for Yomiuri, this is the most profitable slot in the station, so they can’t simply hand it over just because the key station asks. A weekday nationwide slot is truly a revenue powerhouse,” said the Yomiuri TV insider.

The departure of Miyane kicks off a slot battle within the Nippon TV group. Especially for the 2–4 p.m. slot, which is currently top-rated, it is easy to imagine how coveted it is for Nippon TV.

“From 2–4 p.m., news about politics, crimes, and entertainment happens as the world moves. Fuji TV’s nationwide broadcast of Shunkan LIVE Toretette! starting February 25 is taking advantage of this, reviving afternoon news programming. That’s why Nippon TV’s news department has long been eyeing the Miyaneya slot,” a Nippon TV source explained.

Nippon TV’s news every., airing from 3:50 p.m., currently tops ratings among private broadcasters. Because of this, the station wants to broadcast news programs produced by the news department from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The slot battle within the Nippon TV group, triggered by Miyane’s departure, is already quietly underway.

On YouTube, FRIDAY Digital’s Entertainment Reporter Channel features active entertainment reporters analyzing the background of Miyane’s departure in a video titled: “Miyaneya Ending The Reason Behind Seiji Miyane’s Departure and the Nippon TV vs. Yomiuri TV Slot Battle Erupts [Entertainment Reporters’ Full Analysis #9]”, detailing the internal conflicts within the group.