What does newscast mean?
A newscast is a radio or television broadcast that presents news and information about current events. Its presenter may summarize the principal stories, read reports, and provide brief commentary, although the format varies between programs. The term commonly appears in expressions such as “the evening newscast” or “watch the six o'clock newscast,” linking it especially with scheduled broadcasts rather than news encountered through other media. A newscast can refer either to a single edition of news or to the regular program that carries such editions. The word is useful when the focus is on the act of presenting news, not simply on the news itself: “the election dominated the newscast” focuses on what the broadcast covered and how it was presented. It is standard in both British and American English.
nounA broadcast of news, typically presented by a newsreader or news anchor. The term can also refer to a television or radio program that consists of a news broadcast.
- A broadcast in which news is presented, especially on radio or television.
- A radio or television program consisting of or featuring a news broadcast.
"The national television newscast covered the election results and the latest economic figures."
"We listened to the morning newscast before leaving for work."
"The station schedules a live newscast at noon on weekdays."
The plural is used for separate broadcasts, editions, or regularly scheduled news programs.
"The network televised special newscasts following the results."
A newscast turns the day's rapidly changing events into a brief, carefully timed journey through the news.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does newscast come from?
Newscast was formed in the 20th century by combining “news” with “cast,” as in “broadcast.” The element “cast” had long been used for a broadcast transmission, while “news” itself derives from older forms referring to new or noteworthy information. The same older verbal sense of “cast” is found in “forecast” and “broadcast,” and it also underlies the modern formation “podcast.”
Related word forms
How newscast is actually used
The word is most common in television and radio contexts. It often emphasizes the presentation format and may refer either to the specific broadcast or to the regular program in which it appears.
Easily confused with newscast
News is the information or reports about current events, whereas a newscast is a broadcast through which such reports are presented.
A newsletter is a written or digital publication distributed to readers, while a newscast is an audio or visual broadcast.