Broadcasting term for the main station that produces and distributes programs to affiliate stations. Often contrasted with 子局 (affiliate station).
See also: キー局
master station
Computing term for a station that controls or coordinates other stations in a network.
Programs are distributed from the key station in Tokyo to affiliate stations nationwide.
In this network, the master station manages all communications.
Compound of 親 (oya, 'parent') and 局 (kyoku, 'station'), literally 'parent station'. The term follows a common pattern of using 親 to indicate a main or controlling entity.