Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators set up, operate, and maintain a wide variety of electrical and electronic equipment used in almost any radio or television broadcast, concert, play, musical recording, television show, or movie. With such a range of work, there are many specialized occupations within the field.
Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment. They also connect wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. They may set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.
Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain equipment that regulates the signal strength, clarity, and the range of sounds and colors of radio or television broadcasts. These technicians also operate control panels to select the source of the material. Technicians may switch from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, or movie and video productions.
Radio operators mainly receive and transmit communications using a variety of tools. These workers also repair equipment, using such devices as electronic testing equipment, handtools, and power tools. One of their major duties is to help to maintain communication systems in good condition.
The transition to digital recording, editing, and broadcasting has greatly changed the work of broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators. Software on desktop computers has replaced specialized electronic equipment in many recording and editing functions. Most radio and television stations have replaced videotapes and audiotapes with computer hard drives and other computer data storage systems. Computer networks linked to specialized equipment dominate modern broadcasting. This transition has forced technicians to learn computer networking and software skills.
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators perform a variety of duties in small stations. In large stations and at the networks, technicians are more specialized, although job assignments may change from day to day. The terms "operator," "engineer," and "technician" often are used interchangeably to describe these jobs. Workers in these positions may monitor and log outgoing signals and operate transmitters; set up, adjust, service, and repair electronic broadcasting equipment; and regulate fidelity, brightness, contrast, volume, and sound quality of television broadcasts.
Technicians also work in program production. Recording Engineers operate and maintain video and sound recording equipment. They may operate equipment designed to produce special effects, such as the illusions of a bolt of lightning or a police siren. Sound mixers or re-recording mixers produce soundtracks for movies or television programs. After filming or recording is complete, these workers may use a process called "dubbing" to insert sounds. Field technicians set up and operate portable transmission equipment outside the studio. Because television news coverage requires so much electronic equipment and the technology is changing so rapidly, many stations assign technicians exclusively to news.
Chief Engineers, transmission engineers, and broadcast field supervisors oversee other technicians and maintain broadcasting equipment.
Work environment. Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators generally work indoors in pleasant surroundings. However, those who broadcast news and other programs from locations outside the studio may work outdoors in all types of weather or in other dangerous conditions. Technicians doing maintenance may climb poles or antenna towers, while those setting up equipment do heavy lifting.
Technicians at large stations and the networks usually work a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines, and may occasionally work overtime. Technicians at small stations routinely work more than 40 hours a week. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is usual because most stations are on the air 18 to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even though a technician may not be on duty when the station is broadcasting, some technicians may be on call during nonwork hours; these workers must handle any problems that occur when they are on call.
Technicians who work on motion pictures may be on a tight schedule and may work long hours to meet contractual deadlines.
| 1. | Maintain programming logs, as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission. |
| 2. | Control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts. |
| 3. | Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts. |
| 4. | Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels. |
| 5. | Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing. |
| 6. | Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission. |
| 7. | Select sources from which programming will be received, or through which programming will be transmitted. |
| 8. | Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible. |
| 9. | Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary. |
| 10. | Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations. |
| 11. | Substitute programs in cases where signals fail. |
| 12. | Organize recording sessions, and prepare areas such as radio booths and television stations for recording. |
| 13. | Perform preventive and minor equipment maintenance, using hand tools. |
| 14. | Instruct trainees in how to use television production equipment, how to film events, and how to copy and edit graphics or sound onto videotape. |
| 15. | Schedule programming, or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired. |
| 16. | Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers. |
| 17. | Give technical directions to other personnel during filming. |
| 18. | Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio. |
| 19. | Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality, and position them appropriately. |
| 20. | Design and modify equipment to employer specifications. |
| 21. | Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content. |
| 22. | Discuss production requirements with clients. |
| 23. | Produce educational and training films and videotapes by performing activities such as selecting equipment and preparing scripts. |
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