Broadcast Technicians are those who 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 transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs.
What does a Broadcast Technician do?
- They generally set up the studio instruments for the transmission and editing.
- They also have to design and set up the audio as well as video circuits.
- They install the multimedia hardware, software and other digital broadcast technology systems
- Moreover, they set up and operate the links between studios and OB units.
- Even, they edit the live programs as they are being transmitted or recorded.
- They also test and service the equipment.
- Besides this, they have to find and repair the technical faults also.
Eligibility & Course Criteria:
Many broadcasting firms and organizations offer apprenticeship programs for aspiring broadcast technicians. Apprenticeship experience is an excellent way to become acclimated to the field of broadcasting and to acquire hands-on training with the equipment commonly used in the industry.
Many colleges and universities offer broadcasting technology programs. Some schools also offer certificate or diploma programs and/or associate degree programs in the field of media and creative arts. Courses in these programs could include an introduction to broadcasting, broadcast announcing and production, video editing, and television production. Students can pursue their Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, broadcast technology, or related fields.
Completion of certain programs may automatically qualify a student to apply for certification through the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). To earn the Certified Broadcast Technologist credential, broadcast technicians must pass a proficiency examination that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering electronic fundamentals, safety, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.
Skills Required:
- Think critically using logic and reasoning
- Monitor Operations and to make sure Machinery is proper
- Listen Carefully
- Monitor the performance of oneself and others
- Articulate information effectively
Job Prospects:
After passing the courses, you can work at a single station or work as freelancer and offer services to more stations. Jobs include maintenance of radio towers, broadcast automation systems for studios and automatic transmission systems for transmitter plants. In case, there is a change in a station in its transmission facilities, a broadcast engineer will usually be tasked with addressing any issues concerning radio frequency interference. Broadcast Engineers also work in a studio and from a number of locations from which broadcasts are relayed back to the network or studio.
Salary:
The average pay is Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. Pay range varies from place to place and company to company level of experience also plays a key role in determining the pay scale.
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