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

• public-access adjective

Example Sentences

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

Under the plans, there will be a new lift and staircase in the conservatory to allow public access to raised balconies.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

After Xiaomi launched an online lottery last January for public access to its highly-automated facility on the outskirts of Beijing, locals and tourists rushed to enter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

South Korea said Friday it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

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