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

Whether he was making a 3D sculpture to stand on the floor, a 2D painting to hang on the wall, or a 3D sculpture attached to a wall like an ancient frieze, he managed the same uncanny result — objects where the purely visual and the utterly physical demand equal time.

From Los Angeles Times

In the interest of equal time, episode 1 ends with a gospel choir.

From The Wall Street Journal

The strategy was to file endless demands for free equal time—but not actually to obtain the equal time.

From The Wall Street Journal

During an appearance on conservative commentator Scott Jennings’ podcast, Carr indicated that “The View” might be investigated to see whether it qualifies as “a bona fide news program,” which would exempt it from the FCC’s equal time rule.

From Los Angeles Times

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has indicated that “The View” might be investigated to see whether it qualifies as “a bona fide news program,” which would exempt it from the agency’s equal time rule.

From Los Angeles Times