The phrase "going on air" is commonly used in broadcasting to indicate the start of a live transmission. In terms of spelling, the first word "going" is pronounced /ˈɡəʊɪŋ/. This involves the voiced velar fricative /ɡ/, followed by an open-mid back rounded vowel /əʊ/ and ending with the hard /ɪŋ/ sound. On the other hand, "air" is pronounced /ɛː/, which utilizes an open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/ and a long vowel duration /ː/. Together, the phrase "going on air" is pronounced as /ˈɡəʊɪŋ ɒn ɛː/.
"Going on air" refers to the act or process of broadcasting or transmitting audio and/or visual content through radio, television, or other forms of media communication. It involves the commencement of a live or pre-recorded show, program, or event that is intended to reach a wide audience.
When someone or something is "going on air," they are entering the realm of public communication, as their content becomes accessible to listeners or viewers tuning in to the specified channel or station. Usually associated with traditional media platforms like radio and television, the phrase can also extend to digital forms of broadcasting, such as live streaming on the internet.
The term signifies the beginning of a scheduled broadcast, during which presenters, hosts, or performers engage with their audience through various mediums. It may involve announcing news updates, sharing music, discussing topics of interest, conducting interviews, or presenting entertainment content. "Going on air" often implies an official start time or a moment of transition from preparations behind the scenes to the actual transmission of content.
In a broader sense, the expression can also be used more figuratively to mean stepping into the spotlight or becoming publicly visible. This can range from participating in a live interview on a television talk-show, being a guest speaker on a radio program, or even live-streaming personal updates to one's online audience.