Miss-Delectable
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Government agency funds adult content programming for the deaf - MSN-Mainichi Daily News
A government body has granted an adult broadcaster a subsidy to provide sign-language translations for a news program in which the presenter doubles as a stripper, stirring controversy among handicapped people and others.
The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), an affiliate of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, provided about 150,000 yen in subsidies to Paradise Television Inc. to help pay for its sign-language translations for hearing-impaired viewers of "Hadaka no News Station" (Naked News Station) from October 2006 to March this year.
"Since the broadcaster is providing sign-language translations, we had no reason to refuse the subsidy application," an NICT official said.
The female presenter of "Hadaka no News Station" gradually takes off her clothes while reporting the news, with the last five minutes delivered completely in the nude.
The broadcasters say they appreciate the subsidy. "We air the program to ensure both handicapped people and those who are not disabled can lead and enjoy the same level of life. Our purpose has been understood."
However, not all handicapped people are hailing the decision, and a high-ranking official of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf raised doubts about the subsidy.
"It's my personal view. I generally welcome sign-language translations for TV programs, but it's questionable to provide a subsidy for this particular program," said Mitsuji Hisamatsu, secretary-general of the federation headquarters. "There are many other programs for which we want sign-language translations."
Kaori Kawai, author of "Sex Volunteer," a book about handicapped people's sex lives, hopes that the subsidy will trigger discussions on the quality of life of handicapped people.
"Japan tends to avoid discussions about how handicapped people should deal with their sexual desire. Handicapped people should have freedom of choice of TV programs, including adult programs," she said. "I'd like people to take this opportunity to consider how to improve quality of life for handicapped people." (Mainichi)
A government body has granted an adult broadcaster a subsidy to provide sign-language translations for a news program in which the presenter doubles as a stripper, stirring controversy among handicapped people and others.
The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), an affiliate of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, provided about 150,000 yen in subsidies to Paradise Television Inc. to help pay for its sign-language translations for hearing-impaired viewers of "Hadaka no News Station" (Naked News Station) from October 2006 to March this year.
"Since the broadcaster is providing sign-language translations, we had no reason to refuse the subsidy application," an NICT official said.
The female presenter of "Hadaka no News Station" gradually takes off her clothes while reporting the news, with the last five minutes delivered completely in the nude.
The broadcasters say they appreciate the subsidy. "We air the program to ensure both handicapped people and those who are not disabled can lead and enjoy the same level of life. Our purpose has been understood."
However, not all handicapped people are hailing the decision, and a high-ranking official of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf raised doubts about the subsidy.
"It's my personal view. I generally welcome sign-language translations for TV programs, but it's questionable to provide a subsidy for this particular program," said Mitsuji Hisamatsu, secretary-general of the federation headquarters. "There are many other programs for which we want sign-language translations."
Kaori Kawai, author of "Sex Volunteer," a book about handicapped people's sex lives, hopes that the subsidy will trigger discussions on the quality of life of handicapped people.
"Japan tends to avoid discussions about how handicapped people should deal with their sexual desire. Handicapped people should have freedom of choice of TV programs, including adult programs," she said. "I'd like people to take this opportunity to consider how to improve quality of life for handicapped people." (Mainichi)