NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan’s only public broadcaster, introduced a radio service in 1925 and a television service in 1953. NHK is financed by the receiving fee paid by each household that owns a television set. This system enables the Corporation to maintain independence from any governmental and private organisation, and ensures that the opinions of viewers and listeners are assigned top priority.
To serve Japan, NHK operates four television channels and three radio services. General TV and Educational TV are broadcast terrestrially, and with the three radio channels they provide a diverse range of programs, including news, education, and family entertainment. The two satellite channels also offer a varied and versatile program mix.
Internationally, NHK offers two television services: NHK WORLD TV and NHK WORLD PREMIUM, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN which provides news in 18 languages. NHK WORLD TV programmes and RADIO JAPAN’s news can be accessed on the Internet via the website www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/.
NHK has 54 stations across Japan and correspondents in 30 locations around the world.
NHK has been conducting research on even more advanced technology. One example is Super Hi-Vision, ultrahigh-definition TV system. NHK exhibits its latest system at IBC2011.