“民放” refers to private broadcasting stations in Japan, which operate independently from government-run channels. These stations provide a variety of programming, including news, entertainment, and educational content. They are funded primarily through advertising revenue and viewer subscriptions. Unlike public broadcasters like NHK, which are funded by viewer fees, 民放 stations have more flexibility in their programming choices. This allows them to cater to diverse audience preferences and compete with each other for viewership. As a result, they play a significant role in shaping popular culture and public opinion in Japan.