Hokkaido Broadcasting Co. Launches Its G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit 2008

Hokkaido Broadcasting Co. Launches Its G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit 2008

G8 related local news videos with English subtitles available at www.hbc.jp/g8/eng/

HOKKAIDO, Japan, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Hokkaido Broadcasting Company ("HBC") launched its English website to provide G8 Summit related news videos and archives that have been produced since spring 2007 when the town of Toyako was elected as the official venue. Upon notice that Toyako had been chosen, HBC immediately formed a special news crew to broadcast coverage. Since then, the crew has been broadcasting and will continue to cover the Summit in detail until it ends. Currently, the site contains over 60 news videos with English subtitles that cover all aspects of the Summit. Hokkaido Broadcasting is also offering news video and footage to foreign media upon request [Contact: toyako2008@hbc.co.jp].

The website covers stories of Summit related events, preparation of activities by the hosting town of Toyako, anti-Summit protests by local organizations in addition to government news. The archives include scenes of local resort areas, images and videos of nature, lives of unusual animals as well as an explosion of the nearby volcano Mt. Usu, which erupted in 1910, 1943, 1977 and 2000. The website also utilizes a 24-hour live camera that captures activity around Lake Toyako, local weather, sightseeing information and the countdown board.

"Having a 56-year history of broadcasting in Hokkaido, our mission is to broadcast not only important G8 Summit events but also related local vivid news to the nation," said Osamu Naganuma, president of HBC. "Moreover, our footage and video clips will be vital sources for foreign media so that we strongly offer them to use our resources."

About HBC

Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. is one of the oldest TV stations in Japan with 56 years of experience in the broadcasting industry. HBC provides service to 2,580,577 households in Northern Japan and is the recipient of various awards in the fields of documentary and drama.

About Toyako

Toyako (Lake Toyako) is a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in the northern island Hokkaido and is one of the most popular resorts in Japan. The splendor of its lake scenery along with a volcano attracts 5 million visitors every year.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

CONTACT: Mr. Masato Tanaka of Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd.,
+81-11-232-5820, g8@hbc.co.jp

Web site:

http://www.hbc.jp/g8/eng

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