Definition

Noun: 1. A broadcast program (especially on radio or television) where members of the public can participate by telephoning the studio to ask questions, give opinions, or speak with a host or guest. This format allows for direct audience interaction and is often used for talk shows, advice programs, or discussions on current events.

Usage

The term "phone-in" is used to describe the type of program itself. It is commonly modified by the topic (e.g., "sports phone-in," "political phone-in"). - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a phone-in, several phone-ins). - It is often used attributively before another noun (e.g., a phone-in show, phone-in segments).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The local radio station hosts a daily phone-in where listeners can discuss community issues.
  • I heard your question on last night's phone-in about climate change.
  • The politician faced tough questions during a two-hour phone-in.

Advanced Usage

• "to take phone-in calls": This phrase describes the action of the host or guest accepting and responding to calls from the audience during the broadcast.
  • After his speech, the mayor will take phone-in calls for 30 minutes.

Variants and Related Words

• Call-in: (Noun) A direct synonym for "phone-in," more commonly used in American English.
  • She was a guest on a national call-in show.
• Phone: (Verb) The action of making a telephone call, which is the core activity of a "phone-in."
• Audience participation: (Noun Phrase) The broader category of interactive programming to which phone-ins belong.

Synonyms

• Call-in show: A program featuring audience telephone calls.
• Talkback radio: (Primarily Australian/NZ English) A radio format heavily based on listener phone calls.

Related Phrases

• Lines are open: A phrase used by hosts to indicate that the telephone system is ready to accept calls from the audience.
  • "If you have a view on this topic, our lines are now open."

Noun

1. a program in which the audience participates by telephone