Broadcast Technician

Broadcast Technicians perform many vital functions within the television and radio stations they serve. The position of Broadcast Technician is very hands-on. For example, they operate audio equipment, see to the proper placement of microphones to ensure the best sound recording, and monitor and regulate volume levels and sound quality during broadcasts. When you’re a Broadcast Technician, you’re also responsible for giving technical direction during filming. With all these tasks, you’ll probably be the busiest person in the station.

In many respects, you drive the station bus. It is you who sits at the sound board, monitoring all the pictures and sounds people see at home and hear across the airwaves. Most importantly perhaps, as a Broadcast Technician, you operate the bleep censor, which protects listeners and viewers from, say, a profanity-laced tirade at a post-game interview with the Coach who feels his team was robbed by a bad call. This job is fast-paced and exciting, so there’s no time to be asleep at the wheel!

This position requires knowledge of the operation and maintenance of complex telecommunications equipment. You also need an understanding of media production and post-production editing. To be able to perform the tasks required of you, your computer hardware and software skills have to be advanced. And your communication skills should be very good, as you will often direct the flow of production in the studio, as well as instruct trainees on how to operate production equipment and perform the tasks assigned to them.