"Be on the air" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the state of a radio or television station broadcasting its programming to the public. It refers to the moment when a station commences its transmission and becomes accessible to listeners or viewers.
When a radio or television station is on the air, it indicates that it is transmitting its signals and delivering its content over the airwaves or through the use of digital platforms. It implies that the station is live and operational, ready to disseminate any scheduled programs, news, music, or other forms of entertainment to the target audience.
The phrase is often utilized in the context of announcing or confirming that a station is currently broadcasting. For instance, radio presenters may say, "We are now on the air," indicating the official start of their show or the station's availability for tuning in. Similarly, television hosts may declare, "We are live on the air," indicating that their program is being televised in real-time.
"Be on the air" also encompasses the notion of being actively engaged in broadcasting activities, playing a variety of recorded content, accepting live calls, or interacting with the audience. It is during this on-air period that stations have the opportunity to connect with their listeners or viewers, deliver news or entertainment, and fulfill their role as a broadcast medium.
