Broadcast vs. Broadcasted
“Broadcast” can serve as present, past, and participial form, but “broadcasted” is also recorded by Merriam-Webster. This is therefore a variant-form choice, not a rule that only one spelling can ever be correct.
“Broadcast” is standard as an unchanged past form, and “broadcasted” is also a recorded variant.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary past or past participle of broadcast | broadcast | standard unchanged form |
| recorded regularized variant | broadcasted | also attested; check variety/house style |
Quick tests
Inflection test
Do you simply need the past form of “broadcast”?
If yes: “Broadcast” is a standard choice.
If no: “Broadcasted” is also recorded, so treat preference as usage/style rather than a universal grammar error.
Caveat: House style or regional usage may prefer one form; preserve consistent editing when both are acceptable.
Examples
The station broadcast the interview yesterday.
The unchanged past form is standard.
The ceremony was broadcast live online.
The unchanged participle is standard after “was.”
The station broadcasted the program to several regions.
“Broadcasted” is a recorded variant; whether to edit it can depend on house style.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Broadcast” is standard as an unchanged past form, and “broadcasted” is also a recorded variant.
Fast Test
Do not mark “broadcasted” wrong solely because “broadcast” can be past tense; check whether your publication or audience has a preferred form.
Style Boundary
The unchanged form is especially familiar for radio, television, and transmitted content; the regularized form is still documented, so house style and natural usage can decide when both fit.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- BROADCAST — Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Direct dictionary evidence that broadcast and broadcasted are recorded verb forms