History
In the first half of the 1990s, several newsmagazine shows of Fuji TV in the morning were discontinued after a short period because of low television ratings. In order to get high television ratings, Fuji TV carried out several strategies. Firstly, it appointed two persons who were thought to be suitable as main newscasters, Otsuka Norikazu (大塚 範一) and Yagi Akiko (八木 亜希子); Otsuka was a free-lance announcer who had been an announcer at NHK, and Yagi was one of the most popular announcers in those days. Secondly, it tried to come up with a news program that attracts young people. Several contents such as entertainment information or fashion information were included for young people. Then, on April 1, 1994, Mezamashi TV was born as a newsmagazine show of a new style.
In fact, the television ratings did not rise at first. However, Fuji TV did not give it up. In 1997, Kojima Natsuko (小島 奈津子) was appointed as an additional main newscaster. She was got close to young people by a nickname of ’’nacchan’’, and became popular. After that, the television ratings of Mezamashi TV gradually rose.
In 1998, Yagi retired and Kisa Ayako (木佐 彩子) was added for 1 year.
In 2003, Takashima Aya (高島 彩) was appointed as a new main newscaster. Not only was she popular, but she also had an ability to adapt to circumstances.
In June 2005, Mezamashi TV achieved the highest rating out of the 4 main newsmagazine shows. Fuji TV spent 11 years and achieved its aim at last. Although the television ratings of Mezamashi TV have fallen slightly recently, it still has a deep-rooted popularity among young people.
Read more about this topic: Mezamashi TV
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