フジテレビ取材しゅざいパス没収ぼっしゅう NPBを公取委こうとりいが調査ちょうさ 独禁法どっきんほう違反いはんの疑うたがい

It has been learned from interviews with those involved that the Japan Fair Trade Commission is investigating a possible violation of the Antimonopoly Act, after the NPB Nippon Professional Baseball Organization confiscated Fuji TVs press pass for broadcasting Major League Baseball during the live broadcast time slot of the Nippon Series of professional baseball.

When a commercial broadcaster aired a live broadcast of the first game of the Japan Series held on October 26 last year, Fuji TV aired a digest of the Major League Baseball World Series featuring Shohei Ohtani during the same time slot. In response, NPB stated that the relationship of trust was significantly damaged and took actions such as revoking Fuji TVs press pass for the Japan Series, which was held through November 3.

It has been learned from interviews with those involved that the Japan Fair Trade Commission is investigating NPB, as there are concerns that Fuji TVs opportunity for coverage was temporarily taken away, which could lead to restrictions on program scheduling for various broadcasters.

According to those involved, this could serve as a means of sanction against conducting transactions with Major League Baseball, which competes with NPB, and could discourage dealings with Major League Baseball. As a result, it may constitute obstruction of transactions prohibited by antitrust laws.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission is continuing its investigation and is expected to decide in the future whether or not to take administrative action.

NPB: No comment Regarding the investigation by the Fair Trade Commission on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Act, NPB Nippon Professional Baseball Organization has stated, We will refrain from commenting at this time.