public access

American  

noun

1. the availability of noncommercial television and radio broadcasting facilities to community groups or members of the public for programs of general interest to the community, especially as a condition of cable television franchises.

2. a type of noncommercial programming of general interest to the community.

---

Other Word Forms

• public-access
  adjective

Example Sentences

Plans must balance threats, resources, public access and the president’s need to remain visible.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

This year the Russian team is due to exhibit a performance with sound called The Tree is Rooted in the Sky, although some reports have suggested that public access might be restricted.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Open-sourcing a model gives the public access to some parts of the code and other architecture behind it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

A buildout of the claims could end public access to the area and permanently scar the landscape, drawing traffic and light pollution and harming springs and groundwater stores, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

At a public access terminal in a Miami library, she found a cheap apartment and paid the deposit electronically.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements