Linear TV
businessTraditional scheduled broadcast or cable television.
Explanation
Linear TV refers to traditional television that is broadcast on a fixed schedule, where viewers must watch content at the time it airs. This includes free-to-air broadcast TV and cable/satellite TV. Linear TV is contrasted with on-demand streaming, which allows viewers to watch content at any time. Linear TV viewership has declined significantly as streaming has grown.
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Last updated: March 2026