Overview
- BS‑TBS said it will not renew its 4K broadcast authorization that expires next January and will shut the service, with the final sign‑off date not yet set.
- With BS Nippon TV, BS Asahi, BS Fuji, and BS TV Tokyo already announcing exits, the BS‑TBS decision means every commercial key station is withdrawing from linear 4K.
- The five broadcasters plan to offer their 4K programs for free on WOWOW On Demand this autumn, shifting access from satellite channels to internet streaming.
- BS‑TBS cited an "extremely severe" business climate for 4K broadcasting due to the rapid spread of online distribution and changing viewing habits.
- NHK, the public broadcaster, said it will keep making and airing 4K content, so satellite viewers will continue to find 4K on its channels.