Definition
A radio transmission made by a pilot or controller that is directed to all stations on the frequency rather than to a specific station, and which does not require a reply.
Plain English
A radio call sent out to everyone listening on the frequency, not aimed at one particular person, and not expecting an answer back.
Context Anchor
Used in radio communication procedures when information is sent to all aircraft or stations listening on a frequency.
Derivation
From the old farming term 'broadcast,' meaning to scatter seed widely by hand rather than placing it in rows. The radio sense kept the same idea: information thrown out widely to anyone in range, not aimed at one receiver.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safety information such as traffic advisories or runway conditions to reach every aircraft in the area without requiring the sender to know each receiver's identity.
Intuition Check
Broadcast does not mean casual or unimportant here. It means the message is sent out for listeners to receive, and the sender does not expect each listener to answer.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles south of the field, the pilot made a broadcast on CTAF announcing his position and intentions to enter the pattern.
Example Sentence 2
When the tower was closed, the pilot broadcast the current weather conditions so other aircraft could plan their approach.