TV channel / transmitter
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TV channel
A company or broadcasting organization that produces and broadcasts television programs.
Die öffentlich-rechtlichen Fernsehsender in Deutschland werden durch Beiträge finanziert.
The public-service TV channels in Germany are financed through fees.
The word is made up of 'fernsehen' (to watch television) and 'Sender' (transmitter / channel). 'Fernsehen' itself consists of 'fern' (far away) and 'sehen' (to see). So a 'Fernsehsender' is literally a station that makes it possible to see images from far away.
Welcher Fernsehsender überträgt heute das Fußballspiel?
Which TV channel is broadcasting the soccer match today?
You can tell from context whether the company or the technical facility is meant. If it is about programs, news, and presenters, the company is meant. If it is about antennas, locations, and signal strength, the transmission facility is meant.
Der Fernsehsender hat sein Abendprogramm geändert.
The TV channel changed its evening program.
In connection with the company, adjectives like 'öffentlich-rechtlich' (public-service) or 'privat' (private) are common. Typical verbs are 'den Sender wechseln' (to change the channel) or 'für einen Sender arbeiten' (to work for a channel).
Sie arbeitet als Journalistin für einen privaten Fernsehsender.
She works as a journalist for a private TV channel.
station / sender
'der Sender' and 'der Fernsehsender' can both mean an organization that broadcasts programs. 'der Sender' is more general: it can refer to television, radio, or also a technical device that transmits signals. 'der Fernsehsender' is more precise and refers only to television, either the company or the technical facility for TV signals. The words can be confused because in conversation it is often clear that the topic is television. If the context is not clear, 'Fernsehsender' is more precise.
Der Fernsehsender überträgt das Spiel am Samstag live.
The TV channel is broadcasting the game live on Saturday.
Nach der Arbeit sucht Tom einen Sender mit ruhiger Musik.
After work, Tom looks for a station with calm music.