equal time

American  

noun

1. an equal amount of time on the air, which radio and television licensees are required to offer to opposing candidates for public office and to those voicing diverging views on public referendums.

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equal time Cultural  

1. A ruling of the United States government, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, requiring that all candidates for public office be given equal access to the free or paid use of radio and television.

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Etymology

Origin of equal time

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

equal time

This exemption to the equal time rule has historically been extended to daytime and late-night television programs.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026

Under the rules, Carr said, the show would have to give equal time to a Republican candidate.

From MarketWatch ● May 19, 2026

Can you explain to us what the equal time rule actually is, how it has been operative for most of my career as a journalist, and what it’s being used to do now?

From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026

They also believe that Carr wants to create a wedge between the broadcast networks and their affiliate stations, which are responsible for providing equal time if a candidate makes a request.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 2026

Besides, those little shorthand symbols in the book my mother showed me seemed just as bad as let t equal time and let s equal the total distance.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath