telecast

Telecast is the transmission of moving images and sound to a television audience. It can refer to the act of broadcasting television programs as well as the programs themselves when referred to as a telecast. The term is commonly used in broadcasting and media contexts.

Etymology: tele- meaning distant and cast from broadcast; in English usage, telecast is typically a noun for a televised program or an event, and a verb meaning to broadcast on television. The term is more common in American English and older broadcasting writing, whereas "air" or "broadcast" are more widely used in other contexts.

History: Early experiments in television began in the 1920s and 1930s with mechanical systems; electronic television gradually replaced them after World War II. By the 1950s, national telecasts became standard in many countries, with color television and satellite distribution expanding reach in subsequent decades. The concept evolved from live transmissions to prerecorded programs and, later, to digital formats.

Modern use: Telecast delivery now spans terrestrial, satellite, cable, and internet protocol television (IPTV). The rise of streaming has altered conventional scheduling and rights considerations, though live telecasts of events such as sports and award shows remain common. Telecast remains a general term for television broadcasts, distinct from radio or webcasts.