Definition of «public airwaves»

"Public airwaves" refers to the radio frequency spectrum that is available for broadcasting and communication purposes. It means that these frequencies are owned collectively by the public and can be used by anyone granted permission, such as radio stations and television networks, to transmit their signals. It suggests that these frequencies are shared resources accessible to all citizens rather than privately owned or restricted in usage.

Sentences with «public airwaves»

In short this case established the FCC's right to ban certain words from broadcast on public airwaves during hours when children might be listening and established a definition of indecent, but not obscene, material. (slaw.ca)
Rhimes left Disney because she craved creative freedom she couldn't find at ABC, a broadcast network that has to avoid some adult themes, grittier language and nudity because of its broad audience and government standards for the use of public airwaves. (fortune.com)
The idea was, in part, that if broadcasters use public airwaves, they have a responsibility to make sure that the public's information needs are being met. (slate.com)
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