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Career Details

27-4012.00 - 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 sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
30,100
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
28,200
Estimate
Change in Employment
-2,000
Estimate
Change in Employment %
-6.5%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Control audio equipment to regulate volume and sound quality during radio and television broadcasts.
  • 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.
  • Select sources from which programming will be received or through which programming will be transmitted.
  • Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
  • Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
  • Design and modify equipment to employer specifications.
  • Monitor and log transmitter readings.
  • Play and record broadcast programs, using automation systems.
  • Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
  • Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
Supplemental
  • Regulate the fidelity, brightness, and contrast of video transmissions, using video console control panels.
  • Record sound onto tape or film for radio or television, checking its quality and making adjustments where necessary.
  • Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.
  • Organize recording sessions and prepare areas, such as radio booths and television stations, for recording.
  • Instruct trainees in use of television production equipment, filming of events, and copying and editing graphics or sound onto videotape.
  • Schedule programming or read television programming logs to determine which programs are to be recorded or aired.
  • Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
  • Give technical directions to other personnel during filming.
  • Set up and operate portable field transmission equipment outside the studio.
  • Determine the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound recording or transmission quality, and position them appropriately.
  • Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
  • Discuss production requirements with clients.
  • Produce educational and training films and videotapes by performing activities, such as selecting equipment and preparing scripts.
  • Make commercial dubs.
  • Develop employee work schedules.
  • Produce graphics for broadcasts.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 90%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Telecommunications
  • 84%
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
 Engineering and Technology
  • 76%
    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.
 Communications and Media
  • 71%
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
 English Language
  • 69%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Design
  • 56%
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
 Mathematics
  • 56%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Education and Training
  • 54%
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
 Mechanical
  • 54%
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Video and combination video and audio presentation equipment and hardware and controllers
  • Audio patch bays
  • Frame synchronizers
  • Master control switchers
  • Non-linear editing systems
  • Video consoles
  • Video editing equipment
  • Video patch bays
  • Vision mixers
 Computers
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Video servers
 Audio and visual equipment
  • Digital audio recorders
  • Digital video disk DVD recorders
  • Integrated receiver decoders IRD
  • Satellite receivers
  • Signal transmitters
  • Videotape machines
  • Wired microphones
 Cameras
  • Digital video cameras
 Media storage devices
  • Disk storage systems
 Camera accessories
  • Robotic studio cameras
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffectsHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe IllustratorHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesignHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe PhotoshopHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Avid Technology
  • Character generator software
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft PowerPointHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
  • Video decoder software
  • Video encoder software
  • Word processing software
 Industry specific software
  • Autodesk AutoCADHOT
  • Dassault Systemes CATIAHOT
 Operating environment software
  • Cisco IOS
  • LinuxHOT
  • Microsoft WindowsHOT
  • UNIXHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
 Specialty
 Advanced
 Core
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Northern Virginia Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College