Broadcast Technicians set up, operate, and maintain electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs and to produce recordings. Sometimes the word "operator" or "engineer" is used instead of "Technician".

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Broadcast Technicians may:

Operate equipment that regulates the quality of sound and pictures being recorded or broadcasted

Regulate signal strength, clarity and range of sounds and colors of recordings or broadcasts to provide the most creative and interesting picture or sound on the television, movie, or cable television productions 

Operate controls that switch broadcasts from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programs

Go to the site and set up, test, and operate broadcasting/ video equipment

Dismantle the equipment and return it to the studio after the broadcast or taping

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

194.282-010 VIDEO OPERATORS control video consoles to regulate the transmission of TV scenes, including filmed and live telecasts.

194.262-010 AUDIO OPERATORS control audio equipment to regulate the volume level and quality of sound during TV broadcasts.

194.262-018 SOUND MIXERS operate controls to regulate the volume level and quality of sound during motion picture filming, phonograph recording sessions, or radio and TV broadcasts.

194.362-010 RECORDING ENGINEERS operate videotape, disk, or tape recording machines to record live television programs, music, dialogue, or sound effects.

193.262-018 FIELD ENGINEERS install and operate portable field transmission equipment to broadcast programs or events originating outside the studio.

193.262-038 TRANSMITTER OPERATORS test, monitor, control, and repair transmitters to broadcast radio and TV programs.

194.362-018 TELECINE OPERATORS control recording and projection equipment to meet prescribed programming standards in TV studios.

962.362-014 LIGHT TECHNICIANS set up and control lighting equipment for TV broadcasting.

194.062-010 TELEVISION TECHNICIAN

In small radio and television stations, Broadcast Technicians usually perform a wide variety of duties. For example, Television Technicians employed at limited-staff television stations may operate studio and mini-television cameras; control the transmission console; produce films; set-up and operate lights, microphones, and recording equipment; and perform many other duties, depending upon production needs. In large stations and networks, Technicians are more specialized although their specific jobs may change from day to day.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

This job has immediacy and excitement.  The Broadcast Technician is a bit of a director in that he or she uses editorial judgment and some creativity in making the on-air talent look good and sound good.   All of the technical work involved in radio and television broadcasting is under the supervision of the station's chief engineer. The technical director or crew chief is usually in charge of the operating crew of Broadcast Technicians.

Broadcast Technicians usually work indoors in pleasant, well equipped studios. However, they may be required to work outdoors in all kinds of weather to set up, test, and operate broadcast equipment in such places as airports, auditoriums, or stadiums.

There are few hazards in broadcasting. They might be exposed to electrical shocks or burns from electrical circuits, although most broadcasting equipment is designed to reduce these risks.

Most Technicians in large stations work a 40-hour week. In small stations, many Technicians work 4 to 12 hours of overtime each week. Technicians may work day, evening, or night shifts, weekends, and holidays. They may work long hours occasionally under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines.

Broadcast Technicians may travel locally or out-of-town to set up broadcasts.

Broadcast Technicians may belong to one of several different unions, such as the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Technicians who belong to unions pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a technical nature

• Work involving the use of machines or processes

• Working as a member of a team

You Should Be Able To:

• Use technical knowledge to repair malfunctioning equipment

• Adapt to various kinds of operating situations

• Handle many details speedily without becoming confused

• Follow instructions and communicate clearly with others

• See difference in shapes/shadings of images to transmit clear

pictures

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

The modulation bandwidth of commercial FM broadcast stations is 15 kHz. The bandwidth of the transmitted signal is therefore, 10 x 15 = ___kHz.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Read and understand technical terminology for new and advanced equipment.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Be able to write detailed descriptions and statistical information used in tables, graphs, and reports in order to request new equipment that will enhance the quality of the station.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should possess decision making skills as well as judgement skills in order to make on the spot decisions regarding a problem on the air or on television. The Federal Communications Commission no longer requires the licensing of Broadcast Technicians, as the Telecommunications Act of 1966 eliminated this requirement.  Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is a mark of competence and experience.  The certificate is issued to experienced technicians who pass an exam.  By offering the Radio Operator and the Television Operator levels of certification, the Society of Broadcast Engineers has filled the void left by the elimination of the FCC license.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to One years of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2400 MUSIC , 2500 PERFORMING ARTS , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

012 RADIO/TV GENERAL

Approved vocational education programs in Radio & TV General prepare students in the techniques and technology by which radio and television programs are produced and broadcasted. Instruction is given in the equipment, processes, and procedures used in producing and making radio or television broadcasts; monitoring, modulating, and controlling the broadcast processes; and recording and storing broadcast materials.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

AUDIOVISUAL AND BROADCAST TECHNICIANS

Television and film productions are an important part of military communications. Films are used for training in many military occupations. They are also used to record military operations, ceremonies, and news events. These productions require the teamwork of many technicians. Audiovisual and broadcast technicians perform many specialized tasks, ranging from filming to script editing to operating audio recording devises.

What They Do

Audiovisual and broadcast technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Work with writers, producers, and directors in preparing and interpreting scripts

• Plan and design production scenery, graphics, and special effects

• Operate media equipment and special effect devises including cameras, sound recorders, and lighting

• Follow script and instructions of film or TV directors to move cameras, zoom, pan, or adjust focus

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 52 weeks of instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Motion picture equipment operation

• Audio recording

• Scripting and special effects techniques

• Maintenance of public address sound equipment

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include photography, graphics, art, speech and drama. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in creative and artistic work

• Preference for working as part of a team

• Experience in school plays or making home movies

Physical Demands

Normal color vision and the ability to speak clearly are required for some specialties in this area.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian audiovisual and broadcast technicians work for film production companies, government audiovisual studios, radio and television stations, and advertising agencies. Their duties are similar to those performed by military journalists and newswriters. They may be called motion picture camera operators, audiovisual production specialists, sound mixers, recording engineers, and broadcasting and recording technicians.

Work Environment

Audiovisual and broadcast technicians work in studios or outdoors on location. They sometimes work from aircraft or ships. They travel and work in all climates.

Opportunities

The services have about 1,300 audiovisual and broadcast technicians. On average, they need about 160 new audiovisual and broadcast technicians each year. After job training, new technicians assist with various production processes. With

experience, they work more independently and, in time, may direct audiovisual productions.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some of the ways to explore this occupation are working with high school or community college radio or TV stations and building and operating an amateur radio. Secondary vocational education programs in radio and television as well as postsecondary programs in electrical and electronics technology may offer co-op portions that include practical experience. Experience is also available in military service.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Broadcasting Technician employer

internships

volunteer work with a Broadcasting Technician employer

community service work with an agency

Most Broadcasting Technicians enter this field by applying directly to radio or television stations, cable television companies, and video production companies. Most beginners start out in small stations where experience requirements are not high. Assistance in locating jobs may be obtained from college or vocational school placement offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

National Association of Broadcasters Career Center (http://www.nab.org/bcc/)

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

Yahoo Classifieds (http://classifieds.yahoo.com/employment.html)

Classifieds Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)

MONSTER.COM (http://www.monster.com)

Michigan Works! (http://www.michiganworks.org)

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Broadcast Technicians' salaries vary by size and geographic location of the station; extent of unionization; and the workers' duties, training, and experience. The highest paid Technicians are licensed by the FCC and able to handle a variety of duties. The highest pay is found in TV rather than radio; in commercial, not educational, stations; and in cities where most of the network programs originate. Those cities are: New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; and Washington, D.C.

Nationally, in 2001 the starting and average annual salaries for broadcast technicians were: :

           (The above wages were based on the 2001 National Association of Broadcasters Survey. ) 

In addition to union contracts for minimum pay, many Broadcast Technicians may receive a PSC (personal service contract) based on the size of the market and prior contracts. Larger cities typically have larger markets. In radio, the power output of the station signal determines market size. The median yearly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $31,044 in 2001.

Salaries for Broadcast Technicians in Michigan were similar to national salaries. Those working in larger markets such as Detroit or Grand Rapids earned more. The top ten television markets in the United States (2002) were New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Boston (Manchester), Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown), Detroit, and Houston. The top ten radio markets during (Spring-2001) were New York , Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Boston, Washington, D.C., and  Houston-Galveston. Broadcast Technicians usually earn time and a half for required over time work. Technicians on the evening or night shift may also receive extra pay.

Depending on the employer, most Broadcast Technicians receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

A college degree in engineering is an asset for those who wish to advance to supervisory positions or to more specialized jobs in large stations or networks. Experienced workers who can handle the full range of broadcasting tasks are more apt to be promoted to supervisory jobs. Broadcast Technicians may be promoted from the position of supervisory technician to chief engineer.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally about 33,600 Broadcast Technicians were employed in 2000. Employment is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. About 5.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Broadcast Technicians looked like this:  

 In an effort to increase the level of minority employment in the broadcasting industry, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) established an employment clearinghouse. Other goals of the clearinghouse are to provide information concerning minorities in the industry and to promote minority involvement in all areas of broadcasting. Similarly, the American Women in Radio and Television Association is working to increase the number of women in all phases of radio and television.  

About 1,000 Broadcast Technicians are employed in Michigan. Most radio stations employed less than 4 Technicians, although a few large ones had more than 10. Nearly all TV stations employed at least 10 Broadcast Technicians, and those in large metropolitan areas averaged about 30. Almost all of these Technicians were employed in the radio and television broadcasting industries.  

The employment of Broadcast Technicians is expected to show little or no change through the year 2008. An average of 30 annual openings is expected due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

The best opportunities for beginners will be in broadcasting stations in small market areas, cable companies, and in the production of non-broadcast industrial videos made for corporations. New advances in teleconferencing for corporate use will require Technicians specialized in electronic fiber optics and satellite link-up.

A specialized degree in electronics engineering with courses in telecommunications would be helpful. However, at the same time, labor saving advances, such as automatic programming, automatic operation logging, and remote control of transmitters, will limit the demand for Technicians specializing in equipment operation only. Further, equipment maintenance and repair, requiring a high degree of technical training, are being performed more frequently by engineering technicians employed by broadcast equipment manufacturers. Knowledge of computer networks and specifically how Local Area Networks (LAN's) are structured is becoming increasingly important in this job.The best outlook is for Broadcast Technicians with advanced electronics training.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Broadcast Technician can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development