WOWOW

Basic Information

Stock Code
4839
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Mass Media
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
December 1984
Listing Year
April 2001
Official Website
https://www.wowow.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Achilles, Asaka Kogyo, Sky JSAT, Japan BS Broadcasting

Overview

WOWOW is a Japanese key satellite broadcasting operator established in 1984, a major player in the information and communications industry providing diverse content such as movies and sports.

Current Situation

WOWOW recorded consolidated sales of approximately 82.5 billion yen and net profit of about 5 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2020, maintaining a solid financial foundation. Its core satellite broadcasting business differentiates through diverse programming including movies, music, sports, dramas, and anime. It serves over 2.8 million viewable households with a stable subscriber base as a pay broadcaster. It launched 4K broadcasting in 2021 and is proactive in technological innovations such as high-definition broadcasting support. Fuji Media Holdings and TBS Holdings are major shareholders, aiming for synergistic effects through media collaborations. It is expanding the WOWOW On Demand video streaming service to strengthen customer engagement in the internet era. The decision to end 4K broadcasting in 2025 reflects business selection and concentration. Initiatives like providing sports content through ABEMA de WOWSPO for new channel development are noteworthy. Moving forward, adapting to diversifying viewing habits and further developing high-quality content will be key to growth.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Opened in 1991 as Japan's first commercial pay satellite broadcaster
  • Pioneered channel selection using remote color buttons for 3 channels
  • Holds exclusive rights to FIFA World Cup and European soccer
  • Subscriber peak during multi-channel expansion period
  • Changed to Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section in 2011, strengthening ties with major media shareholders
  • Features subscriber promotion via free broadcasts and events
  • Realized viewing without BS contract through streaming service launch
  • 4K broadcasting launched later than new 4K/8K satellite service
  • Broadcast center located in Tatsumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
  • Hosts numerous former key station announcers as exclusive or contract talent
  • Transitioned from commissioned broadcasting to key satellite broadcasting due to Broadcasting Law amendment
  • Thorough pay TV management via B-CAS card viewer control
  • Programs categorized into 7 genres for diverse content
  • Capital of 5 billion yen, total issued shares approx. 28.84 million
  • Successive presidents include prominent media figures

Hidden Connections

  • Unusual capital relationship transcending barriers between Fuji TV and TBS as major shareholders
  • Video streaming service supports mobile carrier payments from NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank
  • Unique setup for transmission and management via collaboration with B-SAT and JSAT
  • Service fusion of broadcasting and streaming through ties with ABEMA and Paramount+
  • Members On Demand free for subscribers, linked to TV viewing
  • Hosts music event WOWFES! with focus on viewer participatory events
  • Deep involvement in 110°E BS broadcasting framework as key satellite broadcaster
  • 4K channel move to BS left-hand polarization band for radio interference mitigation

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of video streaming market and evolution of delivery technology
  • Increasing demand for high-definition content like 4K and HDR
  • Value enhancement of sports content and exclusive rights utilization
  • Service deployment across diverse viewing platforms
  • Strengthened capital and business ties with major media firms
  • Stable pay TV subscriber retention and new acquisition strategies
  • Efficiency improvements in IP broadcasting and multi-channel programming
  • Viewing experience enhancements via usability improvements
  • Content diversification, international expansion
  • Advancement of environmentally considerate broadcasting systems

Strategic Goals

  • 10% subscriber increase via internet video streaming services
  • Expansion of 4K content delivery and technological innovation
  • Continuous securing and expansion of sports broadcasting rights
  • Strengthening of integrated broadcasting and streaming services
  • Increased co-productions with capital partners
  • Churn rate reduction through improved subscriber satisfaction
  • Broadcasting equipment upgrades achieving reduced environmental impact
  • Revenue diversification via new digital service development
  • Ongoing expansion of regional and social contribution activities
  • Establishment of DX leadership within the industry

Business Segments

Broadcast Content Provision

Overview
Provides diverse content to broadcasters, supporting broadcasting and re-delivery.
Competitiveness
High-quality exclusive sports broadcasting rights and original programming capabilities
Customers
  • Cable TV operators
  • BS stations
  • CS stations
  • Video streaming operators
  • Advertising agencies
  • Sports organizations
Products
  • Satellite broadcast programs
  • Live sports broadcasts
  • Music and stage relays
  • Original drama productions

Video Streaming Platform Development

Overview
Develops video streaming technology and services to promote diversified customer touchpoints.
Competitiveness
Expertise in integrated satellite broadcasting operations and multi-carrier payment support
Customers
  • Telecom carriers
  • Video streaming platform operators
  • Device manufacturers
Products
  • WOWOW On Demand
  • IP broadcasting services
  • Integration technology solutions

Satellite Communications Systems Business

Overview
Operates and manages scrambling and subscriber systems for satellite broadcasting.
Competitiveness
Robust operational framework integrated with Broadcasting Satellite Systems
Customers
  • Broadcasting Satellite Systems companies
  • Satellite communications firms
  • Equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Scrambling decryption systems
  • Viewer control management
  • Subscriber management services

Co-Productions and Sports Content Business

Overview
Secures broadcasting rights for major sports events and conducts co-productions.
Competitiveness
Securing domestic and international sports rights with high-definition broadcasting technology
Customers
  • Sports leagues
  • Event production companies
  • Advertising agencies
Products
  • FIFA World Cup broadcasts
  • European soccer relays
  • Special program productions

R&D and Technical Development

Overview
Advances research and development in advanced video and delivery technologies.
Competitiveness
Proprietary 4K master operations technology and multi-media integration
Customers
  • Video technology companies
  • Broadcasting equipment manufacturers
  • Research institutions
Products
  • 4K HDR broadcasting technology
  • Hybridcast demonstrations
  • IP broadcasting development

Advertising and Promotion Business

Overview
Advertising services leveraging free broadcasts and sports relays.
Competitiveness
Viewer-participatory events and high-profile programming
Customers
  • Advertising agencies
  • Corporate advertisers
  • Media operators
Products
  • Free broadcast planning
  • Event-linked advertising
  • Sponsorships

Satellite Key Broadcasting Equipment Maintenance

Overview
Handles maintenance of Broadcasting Satellite Systems equipment and service quality improvements.
Competitiveness
Extensive track record in satellite technology and broadcasting operations
Customers
  • Broadcasters
  • Communications infrastructure providers
Products
  • Broadcast satellite transmission equipment maintenance
  • Signal quality management
  • Technical support

International Content Trading

Overview
Procures overseas video content and manages domestic distribution rights.
Competitiveness
Broad content network across multiple genres
Customers
  • Video production companies
  • Overseas broadcasters
  • Streaming platforms
Products
  • Movie and drama imports
  • Original content sales

B-CAS and CAS Card Management

Overview
Issues and manages cards for subscriber viewer control.
Competitiveness
Proper operation of conditional access systems for broadcasting
Customers
  • Viewers
  • Home appliance manufacturers
Products
  • B-CAS card issuance
  • Viewer control services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Japan's largest-scale pay satellite broadcaster
  • Diverse exclusive sports content holdings
  • Early adoption of high-definition 4K broadcasting technology
  • Robust broadcasting and video streaming platforms
  • Capital and collaboration ties with major media companies
  • Stable subscriber base and revenue model
  • Original programming and scheduling capabilities
  • Advanced viewer management systems
  • Multi-channel video delivery expansion
  • Strategic use of non-scrambled free broadcasts
  • Adaptation to diversified video streaming services
  • Strong integration with satellite broadcasting systems
  • Leadership in 4K and HDR video technology
  • High brand recognition
  • Business expansion targeting diverse customer segments

Competitive Advantages

  • Overwhelming market recognition as Japan's first commercial pay satellite broadcaster
  • Stable management support from major shareholders like Fuji Media Holdings and TBS
  • Exclusive broadcasting rights to high-demand content like FIFA and European soccer
  • Multi-channel programming to meet diverse viewer needs
  • Hybrid strategy fusing BS/CS broadcasting and video streaming
  • Secure viewing environment supported by B-CAS and IC card management
  • Viewer convenience enhancements like remote color button channel selection
  • New customer acquisition via WOWOW On Demand streaming service
  • Superior picture quality from early 4K adoption
  • Brand penetration through periodic free broadcasts and events
  • Differentiation via original programming across genres
  • Revenue assurance through precise subscriber and viewer control operations
  • Service enhancements through collaborations with Paramount+ and ABEMA
  • High reliability from satellite key broadcasting technical expertise
  • Flexible billing systems including mobile carrier payments

Threats

  • Intensifying competition from internet video streaming in pay TV market
  • Stagnation and decline risk in subscriber households
  • Challenges in service diversification due to 4K broadcasting end
  • Market changes from new entrants and technological innovations
  • Operational burdens from satellite band reorganization
  • Rising content acquisition costs
  • Heightened viewer price sensitivity
  • Advances and competition in video streaming platforms
  • Potential changes in regulations and broadcasting rights contracts
  • Impacts of COVID-19 and social conditions on viewing behavior
  • Decline in advertising revenue
  • Increasing illegal viewing and technical threats to content

Innovations

2021: WOWOW 4K Broadcasting Launch

Overview
Launched 4K high-definition service WOWOW 4K, advancing innovations like HDR support.
Impact
Differentiates through high-resolution content provision.

2021: WOWOW On Demand Launch

Overview
Started BS-contract-free video streaming service WOWOW On Demand.
Impact
Successfully acquired new internet users and diversified services.

2024: Collaboration with ABEMA Begins

Overview
Introduced new plan ABEMA de WOWSPO providing sports content.
Impact
Contributes to acquiring new customer segments in streaming market.

2023: Paramount+ Collaboration Begins

Overview
Launched video streaming service in partnership with Paramount Global.
Impact
Strengthens competitiveness by expanding content lineup.

2022: Enhanced Simultaneous Internet Streaming for Video Delivery

Overview
Fully rolled out simultaneous internet streaming for WOWOW's three main channels.
Impact
Promotes diversification of viewing channels.

2023: Physical Channel Move to BS Left-Hand Polarization Band

Overview
Moved 4K physical channel from BS-12ch to BS-8ch to address frequency interference.
Impact
Successfully resolved radio wave interference issues.

2020: Response to 4K Broadcasting Launch Delay

Overview
Swiftly responded to 4K launch postponement due to COVID-19 impact.
Impact
Reduced business risks during pandemic expansion.

2024: Announcement of 4K Broadcasting Cessation Plan

Overview
Officially decided to end 4K broadcasting in February 2025 amid business strategy review.
Impact
Promotes concentration of business resources.

Sustainability

  • Promoting reduction in paper media through digital broadcasting
  • Energy-efficient broadcasting equipment to reduce CO2 emissions
  • Pursuit of efficient satellite broadcasting infrastructure operations
  • Implementation of equipment renewal plans to reduce environmental impact
  • Support activities for promoting video culture in local communities