Nippon TV promotes Hiroyuki Fukuda to CEO

Fukada joined Nippon TV in 1985 working in advertising sales. He has worked in both programming and sales, including roles as President of Production and President of Programming. Most recently, he was a Board Director and Chief Content Officer in charge of Content Strategy and Corporate Strategy.

Fukuda replaces Akira Ishizawa, who is to become Director of the newly established Yomiuri Chukyo FS Broadcasting Holdings Corporation.

Fukada said he wanted to Nippon TV reduce its dependence on broadcasting revenue. “Our high level of dependence on our broadcasting business remains the biggest risk,” he said, in remarks announcing his appointment.

He said that increasing Nippon TV’s share of revenue from sources other than broadcasting is an important goal for the company.

Fukada said he would pursue a 'content-centric strategy' that focuses on “powerful IP assets, and contributes to people's well-being.”

He also said Nippon TV would seek to transform its business through technology, highlighting opportunities for AI to improve the efficiency of the content creation process as well as Ad Reach Max, Nippon TV's proprietary advertising technology.

“At a time of drastic change in the media industry and the business environment in general, I feel that I have been fated to take on this role as our battle for survival is reaching its climax,” said Fukada.

Nippon TV is the largest shareholder in top Japanese animation firm Studio Ghibli.