Broadcast technicians 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 the sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

  • 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 the 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 how to use television production equipment, how to film events, and how to copy and edit 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.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 99% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 66% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 61% responded "Extremely important".
  • Contact With Others — 51% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 43% responded "Important results".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using 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 Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • 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.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Maintain logs of production activities.
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
  • Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
  • Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
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Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications
  • Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge 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.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving 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.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The 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.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Video creation and editing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects Hot Technology
  • Video encoder software
  • Video decoder software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Avid Technology
  • Character generator software
Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
Operating system software
  • Linux Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
  • UNIX Hot Technology
  • Cisco IOS
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