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

CBS, meanwhile, said in a statement that its lawyers didn’t prohibit Colbert from airing the interview; it only advised the show that airing it could trigger an FCC complaint and “presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled.”

From Slate

So Colbert instead posted the interview to YouTube, where there are no such “equal time” regulations.

From Slate

Some experts are also skeptical that Carr will ever make good on those threats through greater enforcement of the equal time provision.

From Los Angeles Times

The equal time rules were devised at a time when consumers had a limited number of media options.

From Los Angeles Times

Schwartzman noted that equal time provision cases are typically resolved quickly, as the rule applies only during an election campaign.

From Los Angeles Times