Broadcast Engineer As A Career: Education Qualification, Skills, Working and Job Description

Broadcast engineer historically was an electrical engineer specializing in the broadcasting industry. Their fields of specialization included radio, TV, audio and RF technology. A modern broadcast engineer often has outstanding computer and IT capabilities, as computers are rapidly integrated into the conventional broadcasting mix. In this article, we will discuss who is a broadcast engineer and what they do. So read and find out.

What do broadcast engineers do?

Broadcast engineer operates, updates, maintains and repairs hardware and systems for tv, radio and internet broadcasting. They work in teams using wired studio control networks and transmitting systems for the transmitter facility to external broadcasters, post-production activities and digital media such as webcasting and virtual television. They work in different sites and scenarios as per their requirements.

A broadcast technician may participate or rely specifically on the maintenance and servicing of the equipment used in broadcasting programs. They may be generalists and/or highly specialized in a specific area like MCR or Uplink Engineers, MAM Engineers, Transmitter Engineers, etc. Their main tasks may include:

• Implementation of Multimedia hardware, applications and other wireless transmitting devices.
• Operating and maintaining Connections between OB units and studios.
• Vision Mixing
• Testing and maintenance of transmission and broadcast systems.
• Find and patch technical defects quickly and with minimal service interruption.
• Setup of transmission and editing studio facilities.
• Making video and audio circuits architecture and installing them properly.

Education required for being a broadcast technician

Employers typically need a degree in one of the following subjects: 

• Broadcast engineering or Broadcast technology
• Electronic engineering
• Electrical engineering

Practical job experience is greatly appreciated by graduate employers, and you can list them all in your resumes. Many media organizations provide the facility to obtain work experience, and it is worth contacting the major networks if work experience is not offered as part of your degree course. You can also participate in any student broadcasting programs at the college.

Skills and personal characteristics of a broadcast engineer

It is respected in the field of broadcast engineering that you should act as part of a team, but you should use your initiative to solve problems. Some of the chief skills that a broadcast engineer must possess are:

• Excellent information technology and scripting capabilities on multiple platforms
• Proactive, results-oriented working style
• Extensive care for detail
• Capabilities in time regulation
• Competency to discover and solve problems
• Health & Safety awareness at work
• Great skills in conversation
• The desire to keep yourself cool under pressure

Working as a broadcast engineer

Broadcasting engineers are in high demand, and the profession gives people with the qualifications decent job opportunities. Broadcast engineers are also employed permanently, but they often work as specialist contractors in this region. There are several job opportunities. Contractors’ wages are also higher, and as an employer, the engineer will specialize in specific fields that are of interest to them, become an expert for his profession, and therefore command a higher salary based on his expertise. 

Hours of working

A broadcast technician is generally needed, although this can change, to operate for at least 40 hours a week. Shift work, including weekends, is typical, and there may be a travelling component, especially if you are engaged in local or external broadcasting activities. In this profession, a relaxed approach to working hours is helpful.

Salary of a broadcast technician

Starting wages will range from 21000 USD to 28000 USD for apprentices who enter broadcast engineering for a junior role, while seasoned broadcasting engineers can make considerably more.

Broadcast technician job description

A broadcast engineer works mainly on television and radio to construct, maintain and operate all equipment essential to broadcasting. They provide technical assistance in film, concert and music recording arenas, ensuring consistency of audio and video processing and delivery. Broadcast engineers usually work in studios but also in event environments like hotels, concert venues, and stadiums. Usually, they are supported by the Lead Engineer, Technique Support Manager, or Engineering Director. The job is predicted to rise by an average of approximately 7 per cent by 2024, according to the Labor Statistics Office.

Duties and responsibilities of a broadcast engineer 

A broadcast engineer conducts several different duties to provide technical assistance for all broadcast equipment. To define these key tasks and roles, we have reviewed work lists for Broadcast Engineers.

Install broadcasting equipment

The new audio and visual appliances are received and installed by the Broadcast Engineer. To execute installation procedures efficiently, they should be able to read and comprehend schemes and technical manuals.

Maintains broadcasting equipment

The broadcast engineer is responsible for routine repair and protection of all broadcast facilities. This involves daily updates of software and hardware. To properly care for equipment and make sure that it does not fail, broadcast engineers must be very professional concerning all broadcasting technologies.

Troubleshoot problems

The broadcast engineer must be able to resolve problems easily and correct video and audio problems, as also in time-sensitive situations or for live broadcasts. This involves rigorous testing and the resolution of any issues which occur until the broadcast begins, before recording or transmission. To address logistical problems, they may also have to coordinate with third parties, including the equipment suppliers.

Repair broadcast equipment

If a problem is identified, the broadcast technician is in charge of seeking a solution and completing modifications to the device until it works again properly. These repairs also have to be carried out in due time. Finding that repairs are not possible and new equipment must be ordered is also the responsibility of the broadcast engineer.

Recommends enhancements

The Broadcast Engineer must have strategies for continuously improving broadcast to keep up to speed with emerging technology and ensure excellent broadcasting efficiency. This involves making advice to the organization or the studio to upgrade and then modify facilities. When required, Broadcast Engineers will also provide proposals for new technologies and facilities.

Skills of broadcast engineer 

Broadcast engineers must be in a position to solve difficult problems timely. Broadcasting engineers also have to operate under tight schedules or live production conditions and have the capacity to obtain comprehensive professional expertise rapidly. They ought to be detailed so that any technical problems are identified and avoided. They must be able to plan and prioritize work easily, preserve versatility and react quickly.

Final words

Being a broadcast engineer is a great job and has wide future scope. You must possess proper skills and have the ability to work with a team to grow in this field.