The phrase "went on the air" is commonly used in broadcasting to refer to the start of a radio or television program. In terms of spelling, "went" is pronounced /wɛnt/ with a short "e" sound, while "on" is pronounced /ɒn/ with a rounded "o" sound. "The" is pronounced /ði/ with a voiced "th" sound, and "air" is pronounced /ɛər/ with a diphthong that starts with a short "e" and ends with a hint of an "r" sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced /wɛnt ɒn ði ɛər/.
"Went on the air" refers to the act of starting or commencing a broadcast or transmission, typically referring to radio or television programs. This phrase is commonly used to indicate the moment when a show, interview, announcement, or any form of content begins to be transmitted to the audience.
When a program or event "goes on the air," it means that it is being officially broadcasted and made available for public consumption. This broadcasting can occur on various platforms ranging from traditional radio and television to online streaming and podcasting.
The phrase often implies that the production team has finalized their preparations, including setting up the necessary equipment, ensuring technical specifications are met, and confirming that the content is ready for public consumption. It suggests that the audio or visual signal is being transmitted from the broadcasting station to the receiving devices, allowing audiences to tune in and listen or watch the program in real time.
"Went on the air" can also be used figuratively to describe the launch or debut of an event or initiative that is being publicly announced or made accessible to a wider audience. This can include product launches, public speeches, or any other form of communication made available through various mediums like radio, television, podcasting, or webcasting.