Definitions for "Must-carry"
The FCC rule requiring cable systems to carry all local broadcast television signals in their markets. Also, the stations carried under the rule, commonly called "must-carries".
The legal obligation of cable companies to provide local TV channels' analog or digital broadcasts. A thorny issue is still being decided, which TV program "must" the cable company carry if a TV station is multicasting, say, four programs
Also known as "retransmission." Under the 1992 Cable Act, a cable system must carry signals of both commercial and noncommercial television broadcast stations that are "local" to the area served by the cable system.