airtime

or air time

[ air-tahym ]

/ ˈɛərˌtaɪm /

noun

the particular time that a program is broadcast or scheduled for broadcast: The airtime for the newscast is 10 p.m.

the time during which a broadcast takes place: The airtime for the new show is from 10 to 10:30 p.m.

a block of such time sold by a radio or television station to an advertiser, allotted to a political candidate, etc.: The company bought three minutes of airtime.

Nearby words

airspeed indicator, airstream, airstrip, airt, airtight, airtime, airtsy-mairtsy, airwash, airwaves, airway, airwoman

Origin of airtime

First recorded in 1940–45; air¹ + time

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for airtime

The outlets giving these pronouncements the most airtime are Arabic news stations in the Gulf.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan|Umar Farooq|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
People like me have spent a lot of airtime and ink these past couple of weeks arguing over whether this can work.
Why Whites Will Abandon the GOP|Michael Tomasky|July 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
For less than 90 seconds of airtime in an episode, he or she receives $10,000.
Why ‘Arrested Development’s’ Fourth Season Is a Bust: Contracts and More|Marlow Stern|May 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Nash said he spoke to Lauer before and after the show to explain that he would not get a lot of airtime.
NBC, Today Show Get Boston Marathon Bombing Coverage Right|David Freedlander|April 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Europeans have spent lots of airtime and ink on Hurricane Sandy--but so far, very few euros.
From Europe, A Muted Hurricane Sandy Response|Alex Klein|November 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for airtime

airtime

/ (ˈɛəˌtaɪm) /

noun

the time allocated to a particular programme, item, topic, or type of material on radio or television

the time of the start of a radio or television broadcast

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012