BBC Japan set to close after funding problems

BBC Worldwide has confirmed that BBC Japan will be unavailable to viewers as of April 30 after distributor JMC said that it cannot afford to honour its contractual commitments.

In a statement, BBC Worldwide said that JMC had sent notification that its shareholders will no longer provide financial support, which means that it will be unable to continue distributing BBC Japan.

“This decision has been taken without any consultation with BBC Worldwide and is beyond the corporation’s control,” the statement said. “BBC Worldwide is actively seeking alternative ways to continue to provide the service in Japan.”