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FAQ: The New KCETLink/NHK World Partnership

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What are you announcing?

KCETLink has partnered with NHK WORLD TV to bring Japanese and Asian news and lifestyle programming around the clock to more than 5.6 million Southern California homes. The stand-alone 24-hour, English-language television news channel is produced by NHK, Japan's sole public, independent broadcaster. (Read the press release here.)

When and where will it become available?

NHK WORLD Channel launches Monday, August 5, 2013, via digital broadcast through a dedicated over-the-air channel (Channel 28.4) in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties. NHK WORLD TV will also broadcast digitally to subscribers of Brighthouse (Channel 32), Charter (Channel 311), Comcast (Channel 192), Cox (Channel 812), Time Warner (Channel 239) and Verizon FiOS (Channel 463).

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What other distribution deals has NHK World TV made?

NHK WORLD TV is in more than 140 countries and can be seen in more than 250 million households. Here in the U.S., the channel is also available 24/7 in markets, including NY, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. "NEWSLINE" is seen in over 83% of US TV homes primarily through PBS stations distribution.

Will you still provide NHK programming on your main channel?

Yes, KCETLink will continue to provide NHK content on its main channel, which includes "NEWSLINE" three times a day at 6 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and other NHK World specials which are slated to air quarterly.

What type of content will be provided on the channel?

NHK WORLD TV provides a 24-hour programming cycle, including the network's news show, "NEWSLINE," hourly at the top of every hour, as well as a variety of lifestyle and cultural shows, such as "TOKYO EYE," "Journeys in Japan," "imagine-nation" and "Dining with the Chef." The channel also offers an assortment of documentaries and specials.

Why did you take away MHz from the digital channel?

KCETLink is committed to providing news and entertainment programming that best serves a diverse cultural audience in Southern California. With such a large Asian community here, we are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for viewers to stay
abreast of news and public affairs happening in Asia, and learn more about how this wonderful and influential culture impacts our region.

Additionally, KCETLink is developing an overall international programming strategy as part of its commitment to providing a global perspective to viewers and we're looking to how KCET might cross-pollinate with the expansive international library that
Link TV has to offer.

We would love to hear more about which international programs specifically interest you. Please post your favorite titles on our Facebook page.

Where else can I find MHz programming?

MHz content is available on PBS stations in various markets in the U.S. and via cable channels. For more information, please go to www.MhzNetworks.org.

Who is the target audience you would like to watch NHK WORLD in Southern California?

We would love for all Southern Californians to watch NHK WORLD programs. They are highly entertaining and informative and we want to expand people's understanding of Asian business, politics and cultures.

Is KCET still offering "Al Jazeera English" on its news line-up even though Al Jazeera America is launching an American news channel?

We are anticipating a change in that offering, and exploring other international programming opportunities as with NHK, but are not at a point yet to announce anything definitive.

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