National
| Median wages (2008) |
$15.82 hourly, $32,900 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
38,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
17,000 additional employees |
27-4012.00 - Broadcast Technicians
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs.
Sample of reported job titles:
Master Control Operator (MCO), Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Technician, Production Assistant, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Operations Engineer, Board Operator, Master Control Supervisor, Newcast Director, Operations Technician
Tasks
- Maintain programming logs, as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
- Select sources from which programming will be received, or through which programming will be transmitted.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
- Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Audio mixing consoles — Audio mixer consoles; Sound effect generators |
| Media control systems — Audio patch bays; Master control switchers; Video patch bays |
| Oscilloscopes — Vector scopes; Waveform monitors |
| Satellite receivers — Integrated receiver decoders IRD |
| Video editors — Frame synchronizers; Non-linear editing systems; Video consoles; Video editing equipment |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects; Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Video creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro software; Avid software; Video encoder software; Video encryption software |
| Word processing software |
