Broadcast Technicians

27-4012.00

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
• Monitor and log transmitter readings.
• Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
• Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
• 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.
• Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
• Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
• Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
• Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
• Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
• Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
• Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.
• Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
• Schedule programming or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.
• Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
• Develop employee work schedules.
• Instruct trainees in use of television production equipment, filming of events, and copying and editing graphics or sound onto videotape.
• Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.
• Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
• Make commercial dubs.
• Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality, and position them appropriately.
• Organize recording sessions and prepare areas, such as radio booths and television stations, for recording.
• Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio.
• Give technical directions to other personnel during filming.
• Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
• Produce graphics for broadcasts.
• Discuss production requirements with clients.
• Produce educational and training films and videotapes by performing activities, such as selecting equipment and preparing scripts.

Technology Skills

• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Music or sound editing software - Adobe Audition
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Cisco IOS; Linux 🔥; Microsoft Windows 🔥; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Video creation and editing software - Adobe After Effects 🔥; Adobe Premiere Pro; Apple Final Cut Pro; Avid Technology audio visual editing software; Character generator software; Video decoder software; Video encoder software
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
• Notify others of equipment problems.
• Maintain logs of production activities.
• Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
• Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
• Operate audio recording equipment.
• Edit audio or video recordings.
• Coordinate activities of production personnel.
• Train others on work processes.
• Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
• Direct productions or performances.
• Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
• Confer with clients to determine needs.