Broadcasting Technician

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Television Equipment Operator

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Broadcast Transmitter Operators operate consoles to control radio or television broadcast transmitters. Broadcast Transmitter Operators work with equipment used for the transmission and reception of television and radio broadcasts, and other related communication systems. They set up, install, maintain and  repair broadcasting equipment, which may include analogue and digital coding devices, text services, or the technologies associated with audio and visual recording. Broadcast Transmitter Operators are involved in pre-recorded productions, such as the filming and recording of a television drama series, and also various live broadcasts, from sporting and musical events to news programs and forums. FutureGrowthModerateThey provide technical and other assistance for the production, recording and broadcasting of artistic performances.

Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. They also control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts, and operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 399511: Operates consoles to control radio or television broadcast transmitters.

Alternative names: Broadcasting Technician, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Operator

Specialisations: Radio Broadcast Technician, Television Broadcast Technician, Wireless Communications Technician,


Knowledge, skills and attributes

A broadcast transmitter operator needs:

  • good vision and hearing

  • knowledge of maths and science

  • to be skilled with detailed operations

  • good concentration

  • the ability to work quickly and accurately

  • to be a good team player.

  • to record maintenance skills

  • ability to work a flexible schedule on a regular basis.

  • knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.

  • knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to the transmission of broadcast signals.

  • ability to provide operational support for studio and remote site television production and post-production activities.

  • knowledge of DTV colour television signal standards

  • ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

  • ability to acquire knowledge of on-air and remote broadcasting processes and procedures.

  • ability to test and evaluate audio/visual signal quality at the point of production, transmission, and reception.

  • skill in the setup, operation of state-of the-art commercial audio-video broadcasting equipment.

  • ability to operate computer-controlled satellite, KU, and C-Band downlink and uplink equipment.

  • knowledge of building security policies and procedures.

Broadcast Transmitter Operator
At work
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Duties and Tasks

  • monitor 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
  • report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible
  • play and record broadcast programs using automation systems
  • control audio equipment to regulate the volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.operating microwave equipment to transmit video information to transmitter sites and receiving video signals from remote locations
  • maintaining and repairing radio and television transmitters and associated equipment
  • selecting and attaching equipment to cameras, positioning cameras, and following the action of scenes being photographed while adjusting controls
  • positioning equipment, such as spotlights, floodlights and cables, and operating lights during filming, broadcasting and stage performances
  • applying and retouching make up during shooting and performance, including special effects make up such as scars and wounds
  • setting up and adjusting equipment such as microphones, and operating sound mixing consoles and associated equipment to regulate volume and sound quality
  • selecting and setting up television recording, editing and mixing equipment, and adjusting and monitoring their operation
  • substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
  • performs set-up, calibrates, operates, monitors, and maintains television broadcast equipment to produce, switch, receive, record, edit, and reproduce the DTV color television signal, in compliance with rules and regulations.
  • maintains accurate logs and records, and prepares discrepency, test, and security reports, as stipulated by regulations.
  • conducts functional and operational tests of uplink and air control television broadcasting equipment; evaluates quality and performance of video and audio reception, production, and transmission.
  • provides operational support for studio and remote site television productions, post-productions and duplication services, state microwave networking transmissions, cable services, and institutional distribution of program materials.
  • maintains and enforces building security during after-hours station operation; submits facility usage reports.
  • broadcasts emergency public service announcements, to include information regarding dangerous weather or other community-related emergencies, as necessary.
  • provides functional supervision and training, as appropriate, for student employee broadcast operators.
  • maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.oOrganize recording sessions, and prepare areas such as radio booths and television stations for recording.
  • performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

On Air
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Working conditions

Broadcast Transmitter Operators work indoors in TV, radio, emergency service communications or recording studios, but also outdoors on location. When outdoors, broadcasting technicians may have to work in inclement weather, and at other times conditions might be crowded and cramped, or locations may be very isolated. They may also need to work away from their family or home for extended periods of time, for example if working on the production of a feature film. Hours can also be highly irregular, with some broadcasts being produced late at night or very early in the morning.

Ensures continuity of broadcast signal and operation of equipment during operating hours. Maintains all required program and operational logs.

Tools and technologies

Broadcast Transmitter Operators need to keep up to date with advances in audio and visual technologies, such as the current trend seeing digital and satellite-based operations replacing traditional analogue systems. Specific equipment these workers might use include antennas, cables and wires, transistors, circuit boards, transformers, mixing desks, microphones and other recording devices, cameras and remote controls.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Broadcast Transmitter Operator without formal qualifications if you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to employers. It is common for Broadcast Transmitter Operators to complete either a Vocational Education and Training (VET) or university course in broadcast technology, audio visual studies or screen and media studies. Basic level: To become a broadcast transmitter operator, you usually have to complete a Certificate III in Broadcast Technology.


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Cinematographer

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Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher