telefoonkanaal

Telefoonkanaal is a Dutch term for a channel through which voice communication is transmitted over a telephone network, or a call-in line used by media to involve the audience in live programs. The term is used in both telecommunications and broadcasting contexts.

In telecom, a channel is a voice path between endpoints. A telefoonkanaal can be a physical circuit, a time-division channel, or a logical path in VoIP. In traditional PSTN networks it represents a speech path between exchanges; in modern networks it may be allocated dynamically. Handling several calls requires multiplexing and switching.

In media, telefoonkanaal refers to a call-in line for audience participation. It typically uses screening, moderation, and a switchboard to connect callers to a host. The line may be a public number or a virtual line routed to the studio.

Historically central to talk shows and debates, the telefoonkanaal has declined with on-air media usage and social media but remains in use on some programs, sometimes combined with online chat or social media to widen participation.

Related terms include telefoonlijn, call-in line, switchboard; see also PSTN, VoIP, and caller management.