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FRANCE. PARIS (75) PLACE LA BOURSE SQUARE. STANDARD AND POOR'S, FITCH RATINGS, MOODY'S AGENCIES PUTTING DOWN FRANCE NOTE (AAA) Photo by Serge Attal/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

The U.S. Capitol building is seen reflected in the window of a building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

A hand of a sculpture is seen in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

A notice of closure is seen in front of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

A stop sign is seen in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

Notices of closure are posted on the entrance of the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

A notice of closure is seen in front of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

The U.S. Capitol building is seen reflected in the water in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

A notice of closure is seen at the entrance of the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Gouvernement Shutdown - Washington DC

The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, D.C., the United States, on October 5, 2025. As the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown -- the first time in nearly seven years -- the confrontation between President Donald Trump's administration and the Democratic Party has further escalated. The Trump administration has cut funding and programs in Democratic-led states and sought to dismantle federal agencies led by Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have shown a rare sense of unity, hoping to reverse declining approval ratings through the fight. This new round of partisan conflict over the government shutdown is markedly different from previous ones, characterized by greater hostility and malice that has pushed partisan strife to new heights. It highlights the deepening political polarization in the United States while inflicting greater harm on the American people. Photo by Li Rui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fitch Ratings upgrades Egypt's outlook to positive amid economic reforms

STORY: Fitch Ratings upgrades Egypt's outlook to positive amid economic reforms SHOOTING TIME: File footage DATELINE: May 5, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. file footage of the Central Bank of Egypt STORYLINE: Global ratings agency Fitch upgraded Egypt's outlook from stable to positive on Friday. The ratings agency revealed the key drivers behind the positive outlook include reduced external vulnerability as Egypt has seen a significant reduction in near-term external financing risks, attributed to the Ras El Hekma deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the adoption of a flexible exchange rate, and tighter monetary policies. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

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Biden touts progress on economy, immigration despite wide disapproval

STORY: Biden touts progress on economy, immigration despite wide disapproval SHOOTING TIME: March 7, 2024 DATELINE: March 8, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:34 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Biden preparing to deliver the State of the Union address 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOE BIDEN, U.S. President 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOE BIDEN, U.S. President 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): KATIE BRITT, Republican Senator 5. various of Biden departing after delivering the State of the Union address STORYLINE: In a highly partisan State of the Union address Thursday night, U.S. President Joe Biden launched a scorching attack on Donald Trump, his presumptive rival in the November election, and touted his achievements on issues such as inflation and immigration. With Biden's approval ratings lingering below 40 percent for months, his remarks likely won't resonate with most Americans, who are dismayed by still high prices, an uncertain economy, a border crisis, and geopolitical conflicts, among o

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Italy's major banks report record profits in 2023

STORY: Italy's major banks report record profits in 2023 SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 7, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 8, 2024 LENGTH: 0:00:39 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Italy STORYLINE: Italy's two major banks have reported record profits in 2023, signaling the recovery of the country's banking sector from recent difficulties. On Tuesday, Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest bank by total assets, reported a net profit of 7.7 billion euros (8.3 billion U.S. dollars) for 2023, a year-on-year increase of 76.4 percent. A day earlier, Unicredit revealed a record net profit of 8.6 billion euros for last year, 51 percent higher than in 2022. Both exceeded market expectations. The two banks rank among the world's 50 largest banks, according to Standard & Poor's ratings. Over the past three years, Italy's banking sector faced multiple challenges due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis stemming from the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, four months ago, the Italian p

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Egypt issues 3.5-bln-yuan sustainable panda bonds

STORY: Egypt issues 3.5-bln-yuan sustainable panda bonds DATELINE: Oct. 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:45 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egypt's Finance Ministry 2. various of the Central Bank of Egypt 3. various of Egyptian banknotes STORYLINE: Egypt issued on Monday sustainable panda bonds in the Chinese financial market in the amount of about 3.5 billion yuan (nearly 479 million U.S. dollars). In a statement, Egyptian Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said the issuance has a maturity of three years with a coupon rate of 3.5 percent. He explained that the issuance is backed by a credit guarantee provided by international development banks with high credit ratings, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the African Development Bank. Maait noted that Egypt is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to issue sustainable panda bonds, adding that it succeeded in attracting many Chinese investors. The minister said the issuance serves as a new portal for achievin

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Brazil's President Lula garners 41 pct approval rating: poll

STORY: Brazil's President Lula garners 41 pct approval rating: poll DATELINE: March 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:46 LOCATION: Brasilia CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva 2. various of Brasilia STORYLINE: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered a 41 percent approval rating since taking office on Jan. 1 for a third term, an opinion poll has shown. The survey, conducted by pollster IPEC (Intelligence in Research and Strategic Consulting) and published Sunday by news outlet O Globo, showed Lula enjoys higher approval than his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) did at the start of his term (34 percent). Some 41 percent of those surveyed rated his administration as "good" or "excellent," and 30 percent rated it as "regular," said IPEC. Lula received better ratings at the start of his two previous terms with 51 percent approval in 2003 and 49 percent in 2007, the pollster noted. IPEC's executive director, Marcia Cavallari, told O Globo that the Brazi

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Experts praise China's role as "major engine of global growth"

STORY: Experts praise China's role as "major engine of global growth" DATELINE: March 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:57 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): WICHAI KINCHONG CHOI, Senior vice president, Kasikornbank in Thailand 3. various of container terminals 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business in Brazil 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALBERT KEIDEL, Adjunct professor of economics at George Washington University STORYLINE: The Chinese economy has become a spotlight in the world economy, and international institutions are widely upbeat about China's growth prospects. The International Monetary Fund in January projected that China's economy will grow by 5.2 percent in 2023, 0.8 percentage points higher than its October 2022 forecast. Credit rating agency Fitch Ratings revised its forecast for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5 percent from 4.1 percent. Bank of America and Morgan St

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Moody's downgrades Egypt's ratings to B3, changes outlook to stable

STORY: Moody's downgrades Egypt's ratings to B3, changes outlook to stable DATELINE: Feb. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:46 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the central bank of Egypt 2. various of vessels in Egypt 3. various of a fuel station in Egypt STORYLINE: Moody's Investors Service lowered Egypt's long-term foreign-currency and local-currency issuer ratings to B3 from B2. In its ranking report published on Tuesday, Moody's also changed outlook to "stable from negative." The report cited that the downgrade to B3 reflects Egypt's reduced external buffers and shock absorption capacity while the economy undergoes a structural change toward a more export- and private sector-led growth model under a flexible exchange rate regime. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a three-billion U.S. dollar financial support package to Egypt in December 2023 amid a commitment to flexible currency and monetary reforms. Over the past year, the Egyptian currency had depreciated by nearly 50 pe

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Michelin to launch new guidebook for Fukuoka, Saga area

FUKUOKA, Japan - Bernard Delmas, president of Nihon Michelin Tire Co., announces the launch later in 2014 of a Michelin Guide giving ratings to restaurants and hotels in Fukuoka and Saga prefectures in southwestern Japan at a press conference in Fukuoka on Jan. 28, 2014.

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Michelin guidebook for Tokyo area

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows "Michelin Guide Tokyo, Yokohama, Shonan 2014" at a hotel in Tokyo on Dec. 3, 2013. The publisher of the Michelin Guide said the same day 14 restaurants in Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture secured three-star top ratings in its latest edition.

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Michelin guidebook for Tokyo area

TOKYO, Japan - Chefs and others pose for photos after their restaurants were awarded the top three-star rating in the "Michelin Guide Tokyo, Yokohama, Shonan 2014," at a hotel in Tokyo on Dec. 3, 2013. The publisher of the Michelin Guide said the same day 14 restaurants in Tokyo and neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture secured three-star top ratings in its latest edition.

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Michelin Hiroshima

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Bernard Delmas, president of Nihon Michelin Tire Co., speaks during an event in Hiroshima on May 14, 2013, marking the publishing of Michelin Guide Hiroshima 2013 special edition giving ratings to restaurants and hotels in Hiroshima Prefecture.

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Michelin Hiroshima

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Bernard Delmas (L), president of Nihon Michelin Tire Co., attends a ceremony in Hiroshima on May 14, 2013, marking the publishing of Michelin Guide Hiroshima 2013 special edition giving ratings to restaurants and hotels in Hiroshima Prefecture.

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Michelin's Hiroshima guidebook

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Bernard Delmas (L), the president of Nihon Michelin Tire Co., holds a press conference in the city of Hiroshima on Nov. 22, 2012. The publisher of the Michelin Guide said the same day it will publish a new guidebook in the spring of 2013 giving ratings to restaurants and hotels specifically in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.

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Michelin's Hiroshima guidebook

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Bernard Delmas (L), the president of Nihon Michelin Tire Co., meets Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki at the prefectural government office in Hiroshima on Nov. 22, 2012. The publisher of the Michelin Guide said the same day it will publish a new guidebook in the spring of 2013 giving ratings to restaurants and hotels specifically in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.

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Michelin Guide for Hokkaido

SAPPORO, Japan - Chefs pose for photos during an event in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on April 10, 2012, after four restaurants including a sushi bar and French restaurants were awarded three-star ratings in Michelin's first restaurant and hotel guide dedicated to Hokkaido.

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Sengoku at press conference

TOKYO, Japan - Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku of Japan points to a reporter while taking questions during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 14, 2010. Sengoku, as the top spokesman and closest aide to Prime Minister Naoto Kan, faces the challenge of salvaging Kan's falling approval ratings.

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Michelin gives top ratings to Japan restaurants

KOBE, Japan - Michelin Guide Director Jean-Luc Naret poses during a ceremony in Kobe on Oct. 19, 2010, after awarding the guidebook's highest three-star rating to 12 restaurants in the western Japan region covering Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto cities.

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Michelin gives top ratings to Japan restaurants

KOBE, Japan - Chefs pose during a ceremony in Kobe on Oct. 19, 2010, after the Michelin Guide gave their restaurants its highest three-star rating in the latest version for the western Japan area covering Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto cities.

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Tokyo stocks open sharply lower on European credit downgrade

TOKYO, Japan - A man passes an electric stock board at a securities house in Tokyo's Marunouchi business district showing the benchmark Nikkei stock index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange drop more than 300 points. Tokyo stocks opened sharply lower after U.S. and European stocks tumbled following Standard & Poor's downgrades of credit ratings of debt-ridden Greece and Portugal.

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Michelin Guide gives 3 stars to 11 Tokyo restaurants

TOKYO, Japan - Jean-Luc Naret, director of Michelin Guides, shows the 2010 edition of the company's culinary guide for Tokyo during a press conference in Tokyo on Nov. 17, 2009. Michelin has awarded three-star ratings to 11 restaurants in Tokyo, giving the Japanese capital the largest number of top ratings among the world's major cities.

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Michelin gives top ratings to 7 restaurants in Kyoto, Osaka

KYOTO, Japan - Michelin guide director Jean-Luc Naret tells reporters in Kyoto on Oct. 13, 2009, that Michelin has awarded its top three-star rating to six restaurants in Kyoto and one in Osaka.

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Michelin gives top ratings to 7 restaurants in Kyoto, Osaka

KYOTO, Japan - Photo shows copies of the Michelin guide for Kyoto and Osaka launched in Kyoto on Oct. 13, 2009. In the guide, which will hit the stands Oct. 16, Michelin has awarded its top three-star rating to six restaurants in Kyoto and one in Osaka.

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Michelin gives top ratings to 7 restaurants in Kyoto, Osaka

KYOTO, Japan - ''Maiko'' apprentice geisha hold copies of the Michelin guide for Kyoto and Osaka at Kenninji Temple in Kyoto on Oct. 13, 2009. In the guide, which will hit the stands Oct. 16, Michelin has awarded its top three-star rating to six restaurants in Kyoto and one in Osaka.

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Michelin gives top ratings to 7 restaurants in Kyoto, Osaka

KYOTO, Japan - Chefs, whose restaurants have been awarded top three-star ratings in the Michelin guide for Kyoto and Osaka, stand during a ceremony to launch the guide at Kenninji Temple in Kyoto on Oct. 13, 2009.

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Michelin gives 3-star ratings to 9 Tokyo restaurants

Tokyo, Japan - Michelin Guide Director Jean-Luc Naret holds up the 2009 edition of the company's culinary guide to Tokyo during a press conference in Tokyo on Nov. 18. Michelin has awarded three-star ratings to nine restaurants in the Japanese capital, giving Tokyo and Paris the largest number of top ratings among the world's major cities.

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Prime Minister Fukuda announces resignation

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda replies to a reporter's question during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 1. Fukuda announced that he will step down, citing a political stalemate in his efforts to implement key policies amid sagging support ratings.

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Prime Minister Fukuda announces resignation

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda bows as he ends a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 1. Fukuda announced that he will step down, citing a political stalemate in his efforts to implement key policies amid sagging support ratings.

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Prime Minister Fukuda announces resignation

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda bows as he ends a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 1. Fukuda announced that he will step down, citing a political stalemate in his efforts to implement key policies amid sagging support ratings.

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1st Diet session for Abe ends with major bills cleared, support down

TOKYO, Japan - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd from R) and Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa pose for a photo at the end of the extraordinary parliamentary session on Dec. 19. The first Diet session under the Abe administration has enacted major legislation to redefine the goals of education and defense institutions while witnessing the premier's support ratings slide rapidly over three months after he came into power.

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NTV sticking to discredited ratings method

TOKYO, Japan - Members of an advisory body to Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV) hold a press conference in Tokyo's Minato Ward on June 10 on a reform plan following revelations in 2003 that an NTV producer falsified audience ratings.

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KDDI develops handset for viewing digital TV

TOKYO, Japan - Telecom carrier KDDI Corp. said May 12 it has developed Japan's first prototype of a mobile phone enabling users to view terrestrial digital television programs and obtain various data linked to the programs, such as audience ratings.

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(1)NTV CEO Ujiie to step down over ratings scam

TOKYO, Japan - Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (C) and President Toshio Hagiwara (L) bow in a gesture of apology at a news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 18. NTV, rocked in a viewer ratings scam, announced Ujiie will step down as CEO and Hagiwara will be demoted to vice president.

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(2)NTV CEO Ujiie to step down over ratings scam

TOKYO, Japan - Kazuo Kawakami (L) and Shuzo Ebata, members of an independent fact-finding team that looked into a viewer ratings manipulation involving Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV), give a press conference after submitting a report to NTV management on Nov. 18. NTV said Chairman Seiichiro Ujiie will step down as chief executive officer and President Toshio Hagiwara will be demoted to vice president.

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(2)NTV head resigns industry-body posts due to ratings scandal

TOKYO, Japan - Seiichiro Ujiie, chairman of Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV), responds to questions from reporters at the NTV headquarters in Tokyo on Oct. 27 after stepping down from all his posts, including chairman emeritus of the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan, which manages and enforces the television and radio broadcasting code among private broadcasters, following revelations that an NTV producer paid viewers to manipulate TV ratings.

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(2)NTV sets up investigative task force after ratings scandal

TOKYO, Japan - An investigative task force, set up by Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV) following revelations that an NTV producer paid viewers to manipulate TV ratings, holds a first meeting at the NTV headquarters in Tokyo on Oct. 27.

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NTV head resigns industry-body posts due to ratings scandal

TOKYO, Japan - Seiichiro Ujiie (file photo), chairman of Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV), on Oct. 27 stepped down from all his posts, including chairman emeritus of the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan, which manages and enforces the television and radio broadcasting code among private broadcasters, following revelations that an NTV producer paid viewers to manipulate TV ratings.

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NTV sets up investigative task force after ratings scandal

TOKYO, Japan - Toshio Hagiwara (R), president of Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV), announces that his company set up an investigative task force following revelations that an NTV producer paid viewers to manipulate TV ratings.

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(1)NTV producer paid viewers to manipulate TV rating

TOKYO, Japan - Toshio Hagiwara, president of Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV), speaks at a news conference at his office in Tokyo on Oct. 24. He admitted that one of its program producers manipulated TV viewer ratings by paying gratuities to a dozen households involved to watch specific programs.

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(2)NTV producer paid viewers to manipulate TV rating

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows the head office of Nippon Television Network Corp. (NTV), which admitted on Oct. 24 that one of its program producers manipulated TV viewer ratings by paying gratuities to a dozen households involved to watch specific programs.

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Embattled Mori suffers backache

TOKYO, Japan - Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori puts his hands on the hip as he takes his seat to preside over a cabinet session Jan. 5. Mori, who suffers from low support ratings, came under physical pain earlier in the day when he endured a backache that forced him to walk with a cane. At left is Ryutaro Hahsimoto, state minister in charge of administrative reform. Seated at right is Finance Minister Kiichi Miyazawa.