CENTENNIAL, Colo. — International Media Distribution (IMD), a leading provider of in-language and multi-ethnic programming in the U.S., and TV Japan, the Japanese language channel from NHK, the leading broadcaster in Japan, announce the temporary opening of the signal of TV Japan nationwide to allow viewing of live coverage following the earthquake disaster affecting the northern part of Japan.

Many U.S. operators have already had the signal open since Friday morning when the announcement was first made by TV Japan’s president, Kazuaki Takada. IMD and TV Japan are working together to notify operators to make the premium service available.  The signal will remain open through March 17.

During this time of breaking news, a special secondary audio programming (SAP) option is available on TV Japan for non-Japanese speakers, featuring updates on top news related to the developing story in multiple international languages, including English, Mandarin and Korean.

All regularly scheduled programming on TV Japan has been pre-empted for live news coverage.

“This is a devastating tragedy and we want to do everything possible to ensure that people in North America can stay informed and connected with what is happening, as it happens in Japan” said Akihito Kunimatsu, vice president of TV Japan’s North American office.

More information can be found online at www.tvjapan.net, including an updated list of North American television providers offering temporary access for TV Japan along with corresponding channel numbers.