How to say "broadcasting" in Japanese

• 放送ほうそうJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe default word for broadcasting in general: the activity or industry of radio and television, a broadcast or program itself, or an announcement. When in doubt, this is usually the word you want.
  ニュースは毎時まいじ放送ほうそうしています。↗

  We broadcast news on the hour.
• 放映ほうえいCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbSpecifically televising or airing: putting a program or film on television. It does not serve as the general word for broadcasting as an activity or industry — use 放送 for that.
  何なんらかの技術的ぎじゅつてき問題もんだいにより、予告よこくされた番組ばんぐみの代かわりに映画えいがが放映ほうえいされた。↗

  Because of some technical problem, a movie was shown in place of the announced program.
• オンエアCommon
  noun, suru verbA loanword for being on the air: a program currently being broadcast. Its 'broadcasting' sense is limited to this; it is not the word for broadcasting as an activity or industry.

Use 放送 as the all-purpose word for broadcasting as an activity, industry, or a broadcast itself; 放映 for televising or airing a program on television; and 「オンエア」 for a program being on the air.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 放送ほうそうbroadcasting
• 放映ほうえいtelevising
• オンエア(being) on air
• ばらまきbroadcasting (seeds)
• ブロードキャスティングbroadcasting