equal time

noun

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.

Origin of equal time

First recorded in 1960–65

Words Nearby equal time

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use equal time in a sentence

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.
Best dog houses: You (and your pet) won’t be left out in the cold with these picks | Julian Cubillos | November 23, 2021 | Popular-Science
To borrow a phrase from Rush Limbaugh, Cheney is equal time.
Liz Cheney Is Saving Pelosi, the GOP, and Maybe America From Themselves | Matt Lewis | July 23, 2021 | 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.
The media will be key to overcoming a Senate filibuster on voting rights | Donald Ritchie | April 12, 2021 | Washington Post
His subsequent inability to get equal time with his children fueled a passion that continues to motivate him years later.
The Masculine Mystique | R. Tod Kelly | October 20, 2013 | 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.
16 Reasons Why Hillary Clinton Will Win 2016 | Myra Adams | August 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

“equal time” may work for matters of political opinion, but not scientific fact.
Orthodox Rabbis Say Gay ‘Cure’ Therapy Doesn’t Work | Jay Michaelson | December 1, 2012 | 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.”
Pouncing on Presidential Coolness | Howard Kurtz | April 30, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Four long days' paddling took them there, and an equal time brought them to the western point of the Kanin Peninsula.
Condemned as a Nihilist | George Alfred Henty
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.
Woodcraft and Camping | George Washington Sears (Nessmuk)
And when equal time is added to a longer and shorter, the relative difference between them is diminished.
Parmenides | Plato
A true spondee must be made by voicing two syllables in equal time, and each without stress.
The Voice and Spiritual Education | Hiram Corson
At first, in practice, Pembroke did about equal time over the course with Lady Margaret, both crews being on fixed seats.
Boating | W. B. Woodgate

Cultural definitions for equal time

equal time

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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