, also known as MRO, is a Japanese broadcast network affiliated with the Japan News Network (JNN). Their headquarters is located in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The "MRO" abbreviation is taken from the last letters of the call signs "JOMR" and "JOMO" of the Kanazawa and Nanao broadcasting stations, respectively. JOMO is no longer operational.
MRO functions as the default Japan News Network affiliate for the Fukui Prefecture, as that area doesn't have a JNN affiliate of its own.
Network
TV: Japan News Network (JNN) RADIO: Japan Radio Network (JRN), National Radio Network (NRN)
History
Early history
On December 24, 1948, the Ishikawa Prefectural government applied for a license to operate a commercial broadcaster under the name Hokuriku Cultural Broadcasting, and was the fourth Japanese company to apply to operate a commercial broadcaster. This application was later rejected due to Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers' media censorship.
After the establishment of the "Three Radio Laws" (Radio Law, Broadcasting Law, and Radio Supervisory Committee Establishment Law) in 1950, multiple license to operate a commercial broadcasting applications appear in various parts of Japan. The local newspaper Hokkoku Shimbun in Ishikawa Prefecture revived its plans to operate a new broadcaster.On February 10, 1951, Hokkoku Shimbun took the lead and the founders meeting were held.In April 21 of the same year, the Ministry of Posts granted 16 of the broadcast licenses and Hokuriku Cultural Broadcasting was listed. However, the broadcast area is limited to Ishikawa Prefecture, and does not include Toyama and Fukui prefectures, which are within the scope of the application.
Start as radio broadcaster
Two test radio broadcasts were launched: on April 22, 1952 at 9amand on May 1 of the same year.At 6am on May 10, 1952, Hokuriku Cultural Broadcasting was officially launched, becoming the first commercial radio broadcaster along the Sea of Japan.The broadcaster was initially located in the 4th floor of the Marukoshi Department Store in Kanazawa City.
On November 28, 1956, Hokuriku Culture Broadcasting changed its company name to Hokuriku Broadcasting. In order to strengthen the advertising business, Hokuriku Broadcasting, together with Kita Nippon Broadcasting and Fukui Broadcasting , formed the "Hokuriku Radio Alliance" on February 1, 1953, to increase income and reduce expenditure. Hokuriku Broadcasting achieved uninterrupted broadcasting throughout the day on May 1 of the same year, and achieved profit for the first time in June. In February 1954, Hokuriku Broadcasting realized its first stock dividend. At the end of 1955, Hokuriku Broadcasting set up a relay station in Nanao at the northern end of the Noto Peninsula, covering most of Ishikawa Prefecture. According to the first listening rate survey in November 1955, the listening rate of Hokuriku Broadcasting reached 56.8%, far exceeding the 39.3% of the first frequency of NHK broadcasting. Hokuriku Broadcasting changed the abbreviation from MR to MRO on January 1, 1956 (O is taken from the call sign JOMO of Nanao Broadcasting Bureau), and formulated a new trademark. On April 1 of the same year, Hokuriku Broadcasting began construction of a new headquarters in Takaoka-cho (now Korinbo), Kanazawa City. The building has five floors above ground and one floor underground, and was completed on December 7 of the same year.
Jump to television
Hokuriku Broadcasting applied for a TV broadcasting license on August 31, 1953. On October 22, 1957, Hokuriku Broadcasting obtained a TV pre-broadcast license. At 8:10 p.m. on November 6 of the following year, Hokuriku Broadcasting launched a TV test signal. On November 15th, Hokuriku Broadcasting obtained the official TV broadcasting license. At 18:00 on November 17th, Hokuriku Broadcasting began to broadcast TV programs.