The Future of Radio as Depicted by the Late-Night Airwaves--Change in the Late 1970s

The Future of Radio as Depicted by the Late-Night Airwaves--Change in the Late 1970s

In the late 1970s, Japan's radio industry was undergoing a major transformation. Young people's interest shifted from television to FM radio, and FM's popularity skyrocketed due to its superior sound quality and music programming. On the other hand, medium wave (AM) radio was losing support, especially among the younger generation, as its programming was becoming stale. In order to overcome this crisis, Bunka Hoso planned new radio programs emphasizing "sound and image," and took up the challenge of revitalizing AM radio by broadcasting special programs for six months from October 1977.

Many famous personalities were active during this period. Rokusuke Ei's socially-conscious talk was deeply rooted and popular, while Keizumi Ohashi offered dry social commentary as well as FM-style music programs. Goro Itoi was called the "God of DJs" and became a pioneer in introducing Western music, while Hidetake Takashima, Kazuyoshi Kojima, Terumi Yoshida, and others also led late-night radio. In particular, late-night broadcasts such as "All Night Nippon" attracted overwhelming support from young people and became an important element of AM radio.

The rise of FM intensified competition with AM, but AM radio tried to survive by strengthening talk shows and late-night broadcasting. As a result, it was unable to stop the momentum of FM, but the culture established by radio personalities of the time has had a long-lasting impact on Japanese media history.