on the television
Same meaning as "on TV," but more formal, old-fashioned, or British-sounding.
Often used in writing or in slightly more formal speech.
Less common in modern American English.
Example:
There’s a good documentary on the television this evening.
I heard the news on the television.
Quick guide
on TV → idiomatic, modern, standard in everyday English.
on the television → correct, but sounds more formal, dated, or British.
on the TV → usually means “on my/our television set” (the physical device).
1. on radio
Common in British English when talking about the broadcasting medium.
Treated like “on TV” → institution, not the box.
Example (UK):
I heard her on radio yesterday. (= on a broadcast)
In American English, this sounds unusual or incomplete.
2. on the radio
Standard in American English for the broadcasting medium.
“the” has stuck here, even though logically it’s parallel to “on TV.”
Example (US):
I heard that song on the radio yesterday.
British English also accepts this form, so “on the radio” is
universal; “on radio” is mainly British.