Broadcast Technicians

Career Description: 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.

Industry: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media

Other Job Titles for Broadcast Technicians:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• 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.
• Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
• Organize recording sessions, and prepare areas such as radio booths and television stations for recording.
• Perform preventive and minor equipment maintenance, using hand tools.
• Instruct trainees in how to use television production equipment, how to film events, and how to copy and edit graphics or sound onto videotape.
• Schedule programming, or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.
• Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
• Give technical directions to other personnel during filming.
• Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio.
• Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality, and position them appropriately.
• Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.
• Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
• Discuss production requirements with clients.
• Produce educational and training films and videotapes by performing activities such as selecting equipment and preparing scripts.
• Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audiovisual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
• Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
• Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
• Perform narration of productions, or present announcements.

Emerging Tasks

• Develop employee work schedules.
• Install broadcast equipment, and troubleshoot equipment problems and perform maintenance and minor repairs, using hand tools.
• Make commercial dubs.
• Monitor and log transmitter readings.
• Play and record broadcast programs using automation systems.
• Produce graphics for broadcasts.
• Set-up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside 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.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• 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.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• 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.
• 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.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• 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 Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• 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.
• 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 of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• 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.
• 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.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
• communicate technical information
• demonstrate or explain assembly or use of equipment
• distinguish colors
• drive automobile, van, or light truck
• edit video film scenes
• edit written material
• install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• maintain daily logs or records
• monitor audio or video transmission or reception
• monitor or review news or programming copy or film
• operate audio-visual equipment
• operate broadcast regulating equipment
• operate radio transmitter, receiver, or auxiliary equipment
• operate recording or broadcast studio controls
• operate remote broadcast equipment
• operate sound-reproducing or recording equipment
• operate special visual effects equipment
• operate video recorders
• prepare reports
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• replace electronic components
• schedule activities, classes, or events
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
• test electronic or electrical circuit connections
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical information for electronic repair work
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use film production techniques
• use hand or power tools
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use computer graphics design software
• use creativity in graphics
• use graphic arts techniques
• use knowledge of multi-media technology
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use public speaking techniques
• use stage lighting controls or instruments

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$15.50
• Average annual wage (2007) - $32,230.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 12.14%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 4,598
• Employment (2006): 37,881

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