Masami Akiyama, Chief of the Personnel Department, Personnel Bureau, Nippon Television Network Corporation

Nippon Television Network Corporation, Personnel Department, Personnel Division　Masami Akiyama(Masami Akiyama)

■ Profile

He joined Nippon Television in 2008. As a director in the Sports Department, he was in charge of baseball, judo, and figure skating, and has extensive experience in on-site coverage of the Olympics and other major sporting events. After working as a producer for Going!, he has been in charge of new graduate recruitment in the Human Resources Department of the Personnel Bureau since 2022.

Television stations are now in a period of transformation. While their mission is of course to provide safe and accurate broadcasting, they are also aiming to "create a diverse range of content" beyond terrestrial broadcasting, including streaming, events, stage performances, and movies.

■Please tell us about the characteristics of the industry.

The appeal of this industry is its ability to create "culture." It can become a hot topic at school or work, or even the starting point of social phenomena. Nippon Television is currently promoting a "content-centric" approach. While people are increasingly turning away from television, content itself is actually in greater demand than ever before, and it's perhaps more accurate to say that outlets are diversifying beyond television to include social media and streaming platforms. We're also focusing on selling formats and content in overseas markets, and some of our content, such as "Money Tigers" and "My First Errand," are sold worldwide. Our company is always conscious of creating high-quality content for the masses. We believe that the most important thing is to create trustworthy content that people all over Japan can enjoy and watch with peace of mind.

■Please tell us the type of student you are looking for

First, we are looking for people with "normal sensibilities." Because we work for the masses, we are looking for people with common ways of thinking and the "human skills" to empathize with other people's feelings. Also, teamwork is important in television work. What is important is how well you can work as a team, rather than individual ability. Events like 24-Hour Television and the Hakone Ekiden involve the work of more than 1000 staff members.

The second is someone with problem-solving skills. Because the program is broadcast 24 hours a day, the ability to solve problems instantly is necessary. The third and final requirement is someone who is passionate about pursuing what they love. Broadcasting has deadlines, so there are times when you feel overwhelmed. I believe that people who are passionate about creating something good and who pay attention to the details are also tough people who will not give up until the end, saying, "If it's for this, it's for this." Our company has a system in place that fully supports the growth of young people. I think you can work here with peace of mind.

■Message to students

I want you to do as many things as a student can. Take on a variety of inputs, such as part-time jobs, traveling, and watching TV. I believe that daydreaming, fantasizing, and imagining will be very helpful in the future. I also want you to feel free to apply. Nippon Television is sure to have the opportunity to turn your passion into a job.

Student newspaper April 2025 issue Chisaki Hashimoto, 4rd year at Toyo University

Toyo University, third-year student Chisaki Hashimoto / Toyo University, second-year student Rinno Koshiyama / Sophia University, third-year student Hinata Amie