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Broadcast Technicians Occupation Detailed Description

Broadcast Technicians career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Broadcast Technicians

The main tasks and work activities of Broadcast Technicians are to maintain logs of production activities, operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video, operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment, monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning. In general, for the Broadcast Technicians, critical Thinking, active Listening, monitoring, operation Monitoring and other 13 skills are required.
Broadcast Technicians Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious 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 TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Broadcast Technicians jobs. 17.42% of Broadcast Technicians have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 10.20% of Broadcast Technicians have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
0.00%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
17.42%
Post-Secondary Certificate
10.20%
Some College Courses
26.62%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
43.37%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
2.39%

Tasks and Work Activities of Broadcast Technicians

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentServicing, 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 InformationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Maintain logs of production activities.
  • Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
  • Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
  • Notify others of equipment problems.
  • Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
  • Operate audio recording equipment.
  • Direct productions or performances.
  • Train others on work processes.
  • Edit audio or video recordings.
  • Coordinate activities of production personnel.
  • Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
  • Confer with clients to determine needs.
  • Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

Skills and Abilities for Broadcast Technicians

  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Equipment MaintenancePerforming routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Visual Color DiscriminationThe ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • OriginalityThe ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Fluency of IdeasThe ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
  • Audio mixing consolese.g. Audio mixer consoles
  • Media control systemse.g. Audio patch bays
  • Desktop computerse.g. Desktop computers
  • Digital voice recorderse.g. Digital audio recorders
  • Digital camcorders or video camerase.g. Digital video cameras
  • Digital video disk players or recorderse.g. Digital video disk DVD recorders
  • Hard disk drivese.g. Disk storage systems
  • Video editorse.g. Frame synchronizers
  • Satellite receiverse.g. Integrated receiver decoders IRD
  • Notebook computerse.g. Laptop computers
  • Media control systemse.g. Master control switchers
  • Modulatorse.g. Modulators
  • Network routerse.g. Network routers
  • Video editorse.g. Non-linear editing systems
  • Personal computerse.g. Personal computers
  • Camera controllerse.g. Robotic studio cameras
  • Satellite receiverse.g. Satellite receivers
  • Minivans or vanse.g. Satellite vans
  • Radio frequency transmitters or receiverse.g. Signal transmitters
  • Audio mixing consolese.g. Sound effect generators
  • Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • TelecommunicationsKnowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Communications and MediaKnowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.