AI Overview
Can't generate an AI overview right now. Try again later.
Broadcast television involves transmitting TV signals over the air for free reception with an antenna, primarily offering access to local networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS.
Show more
Show less
While traditionally a dominant force, its audience share is steadily declining as viewers shift to streaming services and cable TV, leading to a significant portion of the population no longer watching live TV.
Live major events like sports still serve as important audience drivers for broadcast, though even these are increasingly found on streaming platforms.
How Broadcast TV Works
Over-the-Air Signals:
Local TV stations transmit signals using radio waves that are received by viewers' antennas.
Free Access:
This method allows for the free reception of local channels, such as news, sports, and entertainment programs.
Key Characteristics
Local Content:
Broadcast TV provides access to local news and programming from major networks.
Live Events:
It remains a primary source for major live events like sports, though streaming options are becoming more common.
Antenna Required:
To receive broadcast signals, viewers typically need a digital antenna connected to their television.
Current Trends
Declining Viewership:
Broadcast TV's audience is diminishing as more people opt for cable subscriptions or streaming services.
Generational Shift:
Younger generations (Gen Z) show a significantly lower tendency to watch live TV compared to older demographics.
Evolution of Content:
Even traditionally broadcast-exclusive content, like large sporting events and award shows, is increasingly appearing on streaming platforms.
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Broadcast television systems (or terrestrial television systems outside the US and Canada) are the encoding or formatting systems for the transmission and ...
People also ask
What is considered broadcast television?
Broadcast television is defined as a system where television signals are transmitted over the air to reach audiences, historically dominated by major networks such as NBC, CBS, and ABC, which have become vertically integrated with Hollywood studios, producing and distributing a variety of programming.
Does broadcast television still exist?
The only thing local broadcast TV still has going for it are major live events like sports, the Oscars and the Emmys. But even then, look at where most of the Emmys go now -- streaming services.
Why am I charged a broadcast TV fee?
A broadcast TV fee is a surcharge assessed by multichannel video programming distributors, ostensibly to cover the fees they pay to local over-the-air broadcast stations in return for the right to retransmit their signals and potentially insert their own advertisements during programming breaks.
Can I get broadcast TV for free?
Free local channels.
Watch your favorite local channels without the monthly bill. Just add an HD antenna to an AirTV to access top sporting events, shows, news and more in HD.
A television broadcaster or television network is a telecommunications network for the distribution of television content
Broadcasting
Professional field
>
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and audiovisual content to dispersed audiences via an electronic mass communications medium, typically using the electromagnetic spectrum, in a one-to-many model. Wikipedia
Apr 8, 2025 · Streaming video has siphoned away the traditional viewing audience. Advertisers have shifted their budgets to digital and away from broadcasters ...
Aug 31, 2025 · Broadcast TV: Discover how broadcast television works, from signals to your screen. Understand the technology and processes involved.
The Television Branch of the Video Services Division licenses and regulates both commercial and noncommercial broadcast UHF and VHF television stations.
5 days ago · Television is a form of mass media delivering moving images and sound electronically, extending senses beyond physical distance.
30-day returns
Broadcast Television: A Complete Guide to the Industry takes an impartial and in-depth look at the business of commercial television.
Broadcast television transmits signals over specific frequency bands to provide high-quality visual content to the general public.
NEXTGEN TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, offers 4K ultra high-definition video quality, theater-like sound, mobile reception and innovative new features.
the act of sending out a show on television: This movie was once considered too violent for television broadcast. The show was being taped for television ...