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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• public-access
  adjective

Example Sentences

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

Tim Weller, the council's cabinet member for environment, said: "We can see clear potential to enhance wildlife in this area and improve public access — supporting our nature recovery ambitions for the district."

From BBC • May 27, 2026

“Now everyone knows where the rich dude that blocks public access lives,” Levy told commissioners, as the sun rose behind him.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 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

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