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

Derived Forms

• public-access
  adjective

Example Sentences

In Florida, the resident of a multimillion-dollar Mediterranean compound has been fighting with Palm Beach over a policy enforcing public access to some of the area’s beaches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Sure enough, the next day Colbert commandeered an episode of “Only in Monroe,” the same Michigan-based public access program he hosted in 2015 before his “Late Show” debut.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

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

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