Government Announces Japan Has Best Media Freedom

The Ministry of Information announced yesterday that, according to research it has performed, Japan has the best record in the world on press freedom. The findings featured on the front page of every newspaper this morning, and are the lead item on every TV and radio news program and news website.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by invited reporters from every media outlet in Japan. Minister Manabu Shikuso said, "I'll look forward to your all stressing how the government doesn't pressure, interfere or dictate content, remembering that press club memberships are due for renewal soon."

Freedom of the press in action yesterday

Columnist Abeno Ningyo of the Daily Gomiuri newpaper told In Other News, "There can be no doubt that this announcement is absolutely true. I'm sure the research showed it clearly, even though the methods and full results are covered by the Secret State Security Act, as we didn't hear when one reporter wasn't arrested for asking about it."

In Other News fully supports the findings of the Ministry, and we look forward to further announcements on media independence.