Notice of Termination of "BS Asahi 4K" Broadcast
BS Asahi will end its "BS Asahi 4K" broadcast due to intensified competition from online streaming. They will not renew their license after January 24, 2027, and plan to offer their 4K content for free on the partner platform "WOWOW On Demand" starting this fall.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 4, 2026 at 00:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 13:00 (1429h 0m after Published)
BS Asahi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "BS Asahi") has decided not to renew its satellite broadcasting license for "BS Asahi 4K" after January 24, 2027. We are announcing this as follows.
BS Asahi launched the 4K channel "BS Asahi 4K" in December 2018 and has been delivering a variety of high-definition, high-quality 4K content to our viewers. However, the environment surrounding this business has become increasingly severe due to external environmental changes and intensified competition, such as the rapid development of internet streaming and the spread of smart devices in recent years.
Under these circumstances, we have carefully considered the sustainability of this service, but we have now decided to terminate the "BS Asahi 4K" broadcasting business. The specific end date of the broadcast will be announced at a later date after consultation with relevant parties.
Regarding the 4K content produced by BS Asahi, we plan to start offering it for free on "WOWOW On Demand" this fall, based on a new framework jointly announced by five BS commercial broadcasters on March 19, 2026. We will continue to leverage the expertise cultivated through 4K broadcasting to produce high-quality 4K content and deliver it to our viewers.
FAQ
When will "BS Asahi 4K" become unavailable?
The exact end date is undecided, but it will not be broadcast after January 24, 2027. Its 4K programs will be available for free on WOWOW On Demand starting this fall.
Why is "BS Asahi 4K" ending its broadcast?
The company explains it is due to the business environment becoming severe, with the spread of internet streaming and intensified competition.
Will BS Asahi's 4K programs no longer be available?
No. The company will continue to produce 4K content, which is scheduled to be provided for free through "WOWOW On Demand" starting this fall.