NEWS member Keiichiro Koyama will not be returning to the evening news program "news every.".
During the December 19 broadcast, a letter from Koyama was read which announced his decision to leave the program permanently.
"I am very thankful for everyone: the viewers, the cast, the staff, everyone. Thank you for letting me learn so many thing from the people I've covered. I am sad to be leaving news every., but I will use the experience gained during my 8 years with news every. for whatever I do in the future," Koyama said.
In June 2018, a report was published revealing Koyama and fellow NEWS member Shigeaki Kato had encouraged two underage women to drink alcohol at a party last winter. Koyama suspended his activities as a result of the controversy.
When Koyama returned from hiatus, he did not return to his position at "news every.". Despite not hosting for 6 months, he had not officially left the program.