public access
Americannoun
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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.
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a type of noncommercial programming of general interest to the community.
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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.
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
"The Court comfortably concludes that public access to the Note promotes 'a measure of accountability' as well as ensures that the public will 'have confidence in the administration of justice,'" Karas wrote.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
Plans must balance threats, resources, public access and the president’s need to remain visible.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Roger Hissett, from the Ardeer Action Group, said the lack of protection for the site - which is currently heavily blocked from public access - amounted to a tragedy.
From BBC • May 3, 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
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.