NHK ONE, a new service launching in October, announces details. Enhanced app allows viewing of local programs.

On July 29th, NHK held a press conference at its Shibuya, Tokyo headquarters to announce the launch of its new internet service "NHK ONE" on October 1st. The app page for the new service was unveiled for the first time, and an introduction was given to how to watch the programs. The service will also allow viewers to watch local programs from regional stations, and announcer Naoko Suzuki emphasized that "I think this is something that only NHK, which has a nationwide network, can offer."

The current "NHK Plus", "NHK NEWS WEB", and each program's homepage will be consolidated into "NHK ONE". A wide variety of content will be available, including a week's worth of missed broadcasts of General TV, Educational TV, and radio programs, news articles and videos, and weather and disaster information.

From October, in addition to the current catch-up streaming service, simultaneous streaming and catch-up playback will be possible. By setting the region (broadcast station), it will be possible to watch playlists that compile local programs and local news.

Suzuki, whose first post was at Takamatsu Broadcasting Station in Kagawa Prefecture, said with a smile, "(Back then) I used to record the news programs I was in charge of on videotape and send them to my parents to watch. With this function, I can watch the programs even when I'm far away, and it's also great that I can check out information on areas that interest me."

In addition to Suzuki, other attendees at the press conference included Director Megumi Kurosaki, announcer Yoji Itoi, announcer Moe Soejima, Caster Yoshio Arima, and announcer Hanako Mori.

Of the current apps, "NHK Plus," "NHK ONE News & Disaster Prevention," and "NHK ONE for School" have been renewed and upgraded, and will be available for download from October 1st. The "Radiru★Radiru" and "Gogaku" apps are services that are not covered by the reception contract, and can be used as before. The current "NHK Plus" app for internet-enabled TVs will also be renewed and upgraded.