NHK (日本放送協会, Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai), is Japan's public broadcaster. NHK is very similar to the U.S.'s PBS TV network. NHK receives its operating funds from the Japan government, via the "Hōsō Hō" (Broadcasting Act). Residents are obligated to pay about US$12.00 per month, although the act does not stipulate any punishment for failure of payment.