Radio Gaga heard in Japan

De Chinezen’s Radio Gaga format originated in Belgium

Japanese pubcaster NHK has commissioned an adaptation of social experiment format Radio Gaga in a deal with Dutch distributor Lineup Industries.

Originally produced in Belgium by De Chinezen for pubcaster VRT’s Canvas channel, Radio Gaga sees two hosts travel the country in their mobile radio studio, stopping to set up camp in various marginalised communities. They then spend the next 48 hours running a radio station for the locals, taking everything from song requests to confessions.

Julian Curtis

NHK will produce the Japanese version in-house after securing the format rights. DR in Denmark, NPO3 in the Netherlands, Movistar in Spain and Swiss broadcaster TSR have all adapted the show in their respective countries.

The format’s success in Spain and Switzerland has led the broadcasters to renew their series for a third and second season, respectively.

“Radio Gaga continues to be a compelling offering for broadcasters thanks to its compassion, humour and wholly original concept, which in today’s digital age, is refreshingly easy going and welcoming while still making full use of social media,” said Julian Curtis, co-founder of Lineup Industries and former Endemol exec.