Broadcasting is the distribution of audio or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communications medium. Typically, broadcasting uses the electromagnetic spectrum, such as radio waves, to reach a one-to-many audience. The term "broadcast" was coined by early radio engineers to distinguish electronic transmissions that are intended for general public reception, as distinguished from private signals that are directed to specific receivers.
Broadcasting can take many forms, including sound-only radio, visual-only television, or a combination of both. The content of broadcasting can include entertainment, information, educational programming, and other features. Broadcast media has historically been a public service, provided and funded by governments around the world, such as National Public Radio (NPR) in the United States or British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the United Kingdom. However, broadcast media can also be private, such as NBC in the United States or Sky UK in the United Kingdom.
The act of broadcasting involves transmitting the content to a large, dispersed audience. The audience can receive the content through appropriate receiving apparatus, such as radios or televisions. Broadcasting is different from private or two-way telecommunications transmissions, which are not intended for the general public.
