equal time

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.

equal time

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of equal time¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Dogs living in temperate locations or who spend equal time indoors and outdoors may do well with a standard wooden dog house for ample protection from mild rain or on sunny days.

From Popular-Science

To borrow a phrase from Rush Limbaugh, Cheney is equal time.

From The Daily Beast

Although he gave equal time to both sides of the debate, CBS had superimposed a clock on his reports to demonstrate how much time the debate was consuming.

From Washington Post

His subsequent inability to get equal time with his children fueled a passion that continues to motivate him years later.

From The Daily Beast

Already NBC has announced a Hillary miniseries set for air before the network has to steer clear of FCC equal-time regulations.

From The Daily Beast

“Equal time” may work for matters of political opinion, but not scientific fact.

From The Daily Beast

No wonder Obama deadpanned at the dinner that Romney “asked if he could get some equal time on The Merv Griffin Show.”

From The Daily Beast

Four long days' paddling took them there, and an equal time brought them to the western point of the Kanin Peninsula.

From Project Gutenberg

To broil a fish, split him on the back and broil him four minutes, flesh side down, turn and broil the other side an equal time.

From Project Gutenberg

And when equal time is added to a longer and shorter, the relative difference between them is diminished.

From Project Gutenberg

A true spondee must be made by voicing two syllables in equal time, and each without stress.

From Project Gutenberg

At first, in practice, Pembroke did about equal time over the course with Lady Margaret, both crews being on fixed seats.

From Project Gutenberg