What Do Broadcast Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Broadcast Technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs. They also report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Broadcast Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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64% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

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Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Broadcast Technicians play and record broadcast programs using automation systems. They maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.

A typical day for a Broadcast Technician will also include:

• Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
• Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
• Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
• Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
• Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.

We asked some Broadcast Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	51% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	25% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	46% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	15% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	1% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	46% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Broadcast Technicians also discuss production requirements with clients. They may also produce graphics for broadcasts.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Broadcast Technicians Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations. They might also Develop employee work schedules.

In addition, they Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.

To some Broadcast Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Broadcast Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/media-and-communication/broadcast-and-sound-engineering-technicians.htm

http://www.nab.org/

http://www.sbe.org/

http://www.nsca.org/