---
title: "Broadcasting versus communication"
subject: "Basic Electronics Engineering"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_2/basic_electronics_engineering:broadcasting-vs-communication"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/basic_electronics_engineering/broadcasting-vs-communication
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Broadcasting versus communication

Basic Electronics Engineering · Chapter 5: Communication System

- Asked in: 2074 Bhadra, 3 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/basic_electronics_engineering/broadcasting-vs-communication
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/basic_electronics_engineering/chapter-5

## Question

Differentiate between broadcasting and communication.

## Short answer

Broadcasting is one-way transmission of the same message to many unspecified receivers with no feedback, e.g., radio and TV. Communication is typically two-way exchange between specific parties, offering privacy and feedback, e.g., telephone and mobile.

## Answer

**Communication** is the exchange of information between a source and one or more specific destinations, often in both directions. **Broadcasting** is the one-way transmission of the same information from one transmitter to many receivers at the same time.

| Point | Broadcasting | Communication (point to point) |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | One-way (transmitter to receivers) | Usually two-way (duplex), can be one-way |
| Receivers | Many, unspecified | One or a selected few |
| Feedback | None | Present (reply possible) |
| Information | Same message to all | Message meant for a specific person |
| Privacy | Public, no privacy | Can be private |
| Channel use | One channel serves all receivers | A channel or link for each connection |
| Examples | Radio, TV, FM stations | Telephone, mobile, e-mail, walkie-talkie |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is broadcasting?
   A. Two-way private exchange
   B. Transfer between two phones
   C. Storage of data
   D. One-way transmission of the same information from one transmitter to many receivers
   Answer: D. Examples are radio and TV. (Key point: Broadcasting)

2. Which has feedback (reply possible)?
   A. Broadcasting
   B. Communication (point to point)
   C. Both
   D. Neither
   Answer: B. Broadcasting is one-way with no reply. (Key point: Feedback)

3. Which can be private?
   A. Broadcasting
   B. Both always
   C. Neither can
   D. Communication
   Answer: D. Broadcasting is public; point-to-point links can be private. (Key point: Privacy)

## Related in Basic Electronics Engineering

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