simulcasts

Simulcasts are the simultaneous broadcast of the same content across two or more television, radio, or online platforms. The term combines “simultaneous” and “cast,” and it is used to describe feeds that are transmitted at the same time or with only a minimal delay to multiple outlets or regions. Simulcasting can occur within a single country on different networks or across international markets when rights arrangements permit.

In television and streaming, a simulcast typically means a program is produced once and distributed to several platforms or regions at the same moment. In the context of anime and other international entertainment, simulcasts have become common where episodes are released outside the origin country within hours of the original broadcast, often with subtitles. Some programs later receive a separate dubbed version in a process sometimes called a simuldub. Licensing and regional rights determine which platforms can carry a simulcast and when.

Benefits of simulcasting include broader audience reach, reduced piracy by providing timely access, and enhanced cross-border promotion. Challenges involve complex licensing across territories, potential delays or discrepancies in feeds, and differences in advertising and revenue models between platforms. Technical considerations such as synchronization and streaming quality also matter.

Examples of the practice are widespread in modern media, particularly in anime streaming, where services coordinate with rights holders to deliver new episodes to international audiences as close to the premiere as possible. Simulcasting remains a common strategy for global distribution and audience engagement.