Yes! Broadcasting is prohibited!

(and this all reminded I need to renew my license which I haven't used in about 8 years! Looks like I also need a refresher!)

What is the difference between the two?

A ham operator might put out 20W of ERP while a radio station operates at 100W though international broadcasters use upto 500 kW.

Part 97 defines broadcasting as "Transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed."

Then there's a section that says:

> An amateur station shall not engage in any form of broadcasting, nor may an amateur station transmit one-way communications except as specifically provided in these rules

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/part-97#p-97.113(b)

Since "broadcasting" is prohibited (except for the exceptions), there is a distinction. There actually are a lot of exceptions that allow different kinds of one-way transmissions though.

In the US with an amateur radio license you can have one to one communication (transmit) but not one to many (broadcast).

hmm, been a minute since I got my ticket, but neither calling CQ nor working a net seem like one to one.

Isn't it the case that it's not a CQ unless someone responds?

Like, the response is kind of important for either a CQ or a net... whereas if I broadcast a pirate radio I am doing what I am trying to do just by sending.

yes I think two-way vs one-way communication is a good characterization

the intention is to make a contact, not disseminate one way information. that is broadcasting

The difference is the intent - calling CQ is the protocol for seeking a contact to communicate with. It's not broadcasting because you're trying to establish comms with someone, and not disseminating information "one-to-many". Running a net inherently intends to engage in contact with numerous stations - by definition not "broadcasting".

> What is the difference

Except the CQ you only transmit for the specific recipient.

I believe broadcasting in one way only (there's no conversation part).