Broadcast vs. Telecast: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 8, 2023
Broadcast refers to disseminating information over a wide area; Telecast specifically means broadcasting via television.
Key Differences
Broadcast encompasses a broad spectrum of transmitting information, whether it's via radio, television, or other electronic media. It is a general term that denotes the act of sending out information in the form of signals, audio, or video to a dispersed audience. Telecast, on the other hand, is more specific. It refers particularly to the transmission of television programs.
Broadcast is a versatile term. It can relate to both audio (as in radio) and visual (as in TV or internet streaming) mediums. For example, one can broadcast a radio show or a live stream on social media platforms. Telecast is exclusively tied to the domain of television. When someone mentions a show being telecasted, it's understood it's available on a television channel.
The origin of Broadcast comes from the practice of sowing seeds by hand by throwing them widely in all directions, symbolizing the idea of spreading information far and wide. Telecast's origin is more recent and stems from the combination of "television" and "broadcast", indicating the specific medium of transmission.
In contemporary digital age, Broadcast might relate to a wide range of platforms, including online streaming, podcasts, and traditional radio or television. Telecast remains anchored in television broadcasting, even if it spans various formats like cable, satellite, or digital.
Comparison Chart
Medium
Radio, TV, Internet
Television only
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Scope
General term for spreading information
Specifically TV programs
Origin
Spreading seeds widely
Combination of Television + Broadcast
Versatility
Can refer to various platforms
Restricted to TV medium
Contemporaneity
Relates to both traditional and modern platforms
Primarily traditional television, but includes digital TV
Broadcast and Telecast Definitions
Broadcast
A general transmission of information over multiple mediums.
The president's speech will be broadcast live on multiple platforms.
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Telecast
The broadcasting of a television program.
The telecast of the awards ceremony begins at 8 PM.
Broadcast
The dissemination of audio or video content to a dispersed audience.
The live concert will be broadcast to audiences worldwide.
Telecast
The act of transmitting television programs to viewers.
The telecast was interrupted due to technical issues.
Broadcast
The act of transmitting signals over the airwaves.
The station will broadcast the game at 7 PM.
Telecast
To show or broadcast something on television.
The match will be telecast live on Channel 5.
Broadcast
To communicate or transmit (a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming) to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication network
A radio station that broadcasts news.
An agency broadcasting an appeal for donations over the internet.
Telecast
A television transmission of moving images and sound.
Tonight's telecast will feature special guests.
Broadcast
To make known over a wide area
Reporters who broadcast unchecked rumors in order to get the story out first.
"The birds sang in flight because that was the only way, in this treeless terrain, to broadcast their claims across their chosen pieces of land" (Kenn Kaufman).
Telecast
To broadcast a television program.
Broadcast
To sow (seed) over a wide area, especially by hand.
Telecast
To broadcast (a program) by television.
Broadcast
To communicate or transmit a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming, to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication network.
Telecast
A television broadcast.
Broadcast
The act or process of broadcasting a signal, a message, or content, such as audio or video programming.
Telecast
(transitive) To broadcast by television.
Broadcast
A signal, message, or audio or video program that is broadcast over a communication network
Watched the morning news broadcast.
Telecast
(intransitive) To broadcast a television program.
Broadcast
The act of scattering seed.
Telecast
A television broadcast, especially outside of a studio.
Broadcast
Communicated or transmitted by means of broadcasting, as over a communications network
A broadcast announcement.
Telecast
A television broadcast
Broadcast
Of or relating to the broadcasting of audio or video content over communication networks, as in television or radio.
Telecast
Broadcast via television;
The Royal wedding was televised
Broadcast
Widely known.
Telecast
A television show or event broadcasted at a particular time.
The telecast of the documentary is highly anticipated.
Broadcast
Scattered over a wide area.
Broadcast
In a scattered manner.
Broadcast
Cast or scattered widely in all directions; cast abroad.
The seed was broadcast, not drilled.
Broadcast
Communicated, signalled, or transmitted through radio waves or electronic means.
Broadcast
Relating to transmissions of messages or signals through radio waves or electronic means.
Broadcast
Widely in all directions; abroad.
Broadcast
By having its seeds sown over a wide area.
Broadcast
A transmission of a radio or television programme intended to be received by anyone with a receiver.
Broadcast
A programme (bulletin, documentary, show, etc.) so transmitted.
The DJ was feeling nervous before his first national broadcast.
Broadcast
The act of scattering seed; a crop grown from such seed.
Broadcast
(transitive) To transmit a message or signal through radio waves or electronic means.
Broadcast
(transitive) To transmit a message over a wide area; specifically, to send an email in a single transmission to a (typically large) number of people.
Broadcast
(intransitive) To appear as a performer, presenter, or speaker in a broadcast programme.
Broadcast
To sow seeds over a wide area.
Broadcast
A casting or throwing seed in all directions, as from the hand in sowing.
Broadcast
An act of broadcasting; specifically, a program in which sounds or images are transmitted in all directions from a radio or television station; - usually referring to a scheduled program on a commercial or public service radio or television station, using the normal radio frequencies for those media, in contrast to a radiotelephone conversation, which may also be transmitted in all directions, but is intended for receipt by a base station in the telephone network.
Broadcast
Cast or dispersed in all directions, as seed from the hand in sowing; widely diffused.
Broadcast
Scattering in all directions (as a method of sowing); - opposed to planting in hills, or rows.
Broadcast
So as to scatter or be scattered in all directions; so as to spread widely, as seed from the hand in sowing, or news from the press.
Broadcast
To cast or disperse in all directions, as seed from the hand in sowing; to diffuse widely.
Broadcast
To transmit (sounds, images, or other signals) in all directions from a radio or television station.
Broadcast
To disseminate (information, a speech, an advertisement, etc.) from a radio or television station.
Broadcast
To spread (information, news, gossip) widely by any means.
Broadcast
Message that is transmitted by radio or television
Broadcast
A radio or television show;
Did you see his program last night?
Broadcast
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
Broadcast
Sow over a wide area, especially by hand;
Broadcast seeds
Broadcast
Cause to become widely known;
Spread information
Circulate a rumor
Broadcast the news
Broadcast
The act of spreading news or a message widely.
They chose to broadcast the announcement over the radio.
Broadcast
To make something known publicly.
She broadcast her engagement news on social media.
FAQs
Is online streaming considered a Broadcast or Telecast?
It's considered a Broadcast; Telecast is specific to television.
Can a radio program be considered a Telecast?
No, radio programs are broadcasts, not telecasts.
What is the origin of the word Broadcast?
It comes from the act of spreading seeds widely in fields.
How is Telecast different from Broadcast?
Telecast is specifically about broadcasting via television.
What is the general meaning of Broadcast?
Broadcast means disseminating information widely over multiple mediums.
Can a Telecast be on radio?
No, Telecast is strictly for television.
From which words is the term Telecast derived?
It's derived from "television" and "broadcast."
Can the word Broadcast apply to non-electronic means?
Yes, it can also mean spreading news or information by any means.
Can we use Broadcast for digital platforms like podcasts?
Yes, you can broadcast content on various digital platforms.
Which is broader in scope, Broadcast or Telecast?
Broadcast is broader, encompassing multiple forms of media.
Can a YouTube video be called a Telecast?
No, it's considered a Broadcast. Telecast is specific to TV.
Are podcasts a form of Broadcast?
Yes, they're a form of digital broadcasting.
Can a Telecast be international?
Yes, some telecasts are broadcasted to audiences worldwide.
Is Telecast limited to live television events?
No, recorded programs can also be telecasted.
How do news channels function with these terms?
News channels broadcast news, but when it's on TV, it's a telecast.
What do we call a television show before it's Telecasted?
It's often referred to as a "program" or "show."
Do both words have the same origin?
No, Broadcast originates from sowing seeds, while Telecast combines "television" and "broadcast."
Are all Telecasts Broadcasts?
Yes, but not all broadcasts are telecasts.
Is every Broadcast a Telecast?
No, only broadcasts on television are telecasts.
Can the term Broadcast relate to spreading non-media information?
Yes, it can mean making any information known widely.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
