free-to-air

British

noun

Compare pay-per-view pay television
1. a system of television for which viewers do not have to subscribe or pay
2. ( as modifier )
  
  free-to-air networks

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While some current PDC tournaments are screened on free-to-air TV in Britain, the World Darts Championship is shown exclusively by Sky, which requires a paid subscription.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

The subscription channel takes over from the BBC which had been the principal partner since 1954 and provided free-to-air coverage for 18 games in a row.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

The BBC's statement concluded: "We are pleased the Boat Race will remain available free-to-air and wish all involved in the event every success for the future."

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

"Extending our partnership with Fifa alongside ITV ensures that the drama and spectacle of the Women's World Cup remains free-to-air," said BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2025

MPs could be set to vote on a proposal to make at least 10 Premier League games available on free-to-air television each season.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023