A task force established by Japan's communications ministry plans to compile proposals in the coming months for adapting the country's broadcasting platforms to the digital age.

The task force was set up to study ways to ensure that broadcasters can continue to provide reliable information, as viewing habits continue to evolve especially among the younger generations.

Members of the task force met for the first time on Monday.

Communications minister Matsumoto Takeaki said the broadcasting industry has played a key role as a standard information source for the public. He pointed to the healthy competition between public broadcaster NHK and commercial broadcasters.

The minister said the broadcasters' role to provide reliable information is all the more important now that information of all kinds is widely available.

He also said NHK is required to contribute to the broadcasting sector as a whole. He asked the task force to study ways to allow NHK to play a new role as a platform that provides quality programs throughout Japan and the world.

The members confirmed that they will discuss ways for NHK and commercial broadcasters to jointly use terrestrial broadcasting relay stations.

They will also discuss the roles NHK and commercial broadcasters should play in the production of programs for satellite broadcasting, as well as in the distribution of programs via the internet and international broadcast services.

The members agreed to come up with concrete measures around the summertime.