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BS Asahi Cancels Political Debate Show Over Tahara’s Remark

The network ruled the Oct. 19 comment breached its standards for political discussion.

Overview

  • BS Asahi announced on Oct. 24 it ended “Gekiron! Crossfire” effective with the Oct. 19 broadcast.
  • Tahara, 91, said "you should say let that person die" during exchanges about Sanae Takaichi’s policies.
  • The broadcaster issued formal reprimands to the program’s responsible producer and the head of programming for failing to edit the pre‑recorded episode.
  • BS Asahi had severely warned Tahara on Oct. 21, and he was expected to apologize on the next installment.
  • Tahara’s office said it was surprised by the termination and argued the remark expressed anger at the opposition rather than targeting Takaichi.