The Politics of Public Broadcasting in Britain and Japan: The BBC and NHK Compared, Henry Laurence (2023).

This review examines *The Politics of Public Broadcasting in Britain and Japan: The BBC and NHK Compared* by Henry Laurence, which analyzes why the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Japan's Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK) differ significantly in their political and social roles despite similar governance, funding, and remits. Laurence traces their historical development, showing that the BBC adopts a more independent, confrontational, and progressive stance, while NHK is more cooperative with government and commercial entities, emphasizing traditional values and stability. The book situates these differences within broader political, social, and technological contexts, highlighting how foundational organizational choices shaped their distinct editorial philosophies. Laurence presents both broadcasters as vital yet contrasting public service institutions without privileging one approach over the other, offering insights valuable to media, cultural, and historical scholars.