front channel

American  

[fruhnt chan-l] / ˈfrʌnt ˈtʃæn l /

noun

1. one of the speakers in the front arc of a surround sound array.

   The sound design balances the dialogue to the front channels while the score resonates through the subwoofer.

2. an official, formally acknowledged forum for communication as used in business or government.

   The intelligence community should be preparing for foreign policy negotiations via front channels in some cases, and by back channels in others.

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Other Word Forms

• front-channel adjective

Etymology

Origin of front channel

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Another source says that when it comes to Iran, the UK "is not just a back-channel, we can be the front channel".

From BBC

But there’s a crucial difference here: Mrs. Clinton had no front channel; the only way to reach her was through her private email server.

From The Wall Street Journal

Paxman will be back on our screens next year to front Channel 4's general election coverage.

From BBC

He will also front Channel 4 Racing's weekly Saturday afternoon programmes.

From BBC

Clare Balding, who recently announced plans to front Channel 4's horseracing coverage from next year, is to host a new Saturday night show on BBC One.

From BBC