Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians

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Duties

What do broadcast, audio, and video technicians perform?

• Use audio, video, sound and lighting equipment to guarantee that the quality of the broadcast is maintained at a constant level.
• Organize and dismantle equipment for live performances and events.
• Recording equipment or computers may be used to record voice, music, and other sounds, often with the help of specialized software.
• Achieve synchronicity between the conversation and the activity on screen or in the studio
• Edit video and audio files on a computer by converting them to digital forms.
• Invest in technology for audio, video, and lighting in the hospitality, business, and educational sectors.
• Report any issues with complicated equipment and perform regular maintenance.
• Keep a record of the recordings and the equipment you used.

Broadcast or sound engineering technicians, operators, and engineers are some of the names given to these employees by employers. Technicians employ a variety of different types of equipment, depending on the business or sort of technician they are. Technicians working at smaller radio and television stations may have additional duties, such as broadcast, sound, and video. They may do more specialized tasks in bigger stations, although their job responsibilities may change on a daily basis.

The roles of broadcast, sound, and video technicians overlap quite a bit, yet they may diverge depending on the specifics of their work. Sound, video and broadcast technicians might fall into one of these categories:

Installation, maintenance, and disassembly of audio and video equipment are all responsibilities of audio and video technicians, sometimes referred to as "audio-visual technicians." Sound and mixing boards, as well as other electronic equipment, are set up and operated by these individuals.

They use microphones, speakers, video displays (including projectors), video monitors, and recording equipment in their daily job. Live or recorded events, such as meetings, concerts, athletic events, podcasts, and press conferences, are all recorded using the technology they run.

Radio and television transmissions depend on the skill and expertise of broadcast technicians, also known as broadcast engineers, who set up, operate, and maintain the equipment that controls the signal's intensity, clarity, sound range, and color palette. It is their job to operate radio and television transmitters, both in studios as well as on site. Audio and video recordings are edited on computers by broadcast personnel as well.

Technicians in the field of lighting are responsible for setting up, repairing, and dismantling light fixtures, lighting controllers, and other electrical and rigging equipment for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. Also, they may be able to adjust or control light fixtures, as well as install color filters or other lighting accessories.

Those who work in the field of sound engineering are often known as audio engineers or sound mixers. Record, synchronize, mix, edit or reproduce music or sound effects for use in theatrical performances, video, cinema, television, podcasts and other projects with the help of this equipment.

Education

For audio and video, lighting and sound engineering technicians the educational requirements range from a high school diploma to a college degree. A two-year college degree is normally required for broadcast technicians.

Broadcast, sound, and video technicians should have a strong background in math, physics, and electronics in order to pursue a career in these fields. In certain cases, employers may prefer to recruit people who have expertise in audio and video equipment and technology.

Audio and video, lighting, and sound engineering technician training programs may take months or even years to finish at the postsecondary level. With the help of hands-on training, many of these programs may lead to either a non-degree award or a bachelor's degree.

An associate's degree is often required for broadcast technicians. Broadcast technicians should take courses in math and science, but also courses in video editing and production management.

A bachelor's degree in creative and performing arts or a closely related discipline, such as information technology, may be advantageous, although it is not always essential.

Training

Continuing education and on-the-job training are common ways for technicians to keep up with the latest advancements in technology. Setting up cables or automation systems, testing electrical equipment, and learning industry regulations and standards are all part of on-the-job training in the electrical business.

Depending on the company's goods and services, new employees may be taught in a number of methods. A new worker's educational background might also influence the amount of training they need.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

Obtaining optional certification as a broadcast or sound engineering technician may be advantageous, even though it isn't needed by most jobs. A technician's ability to stay abreast of emerging technology and fulfill industry requirements is shown by a certification.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) provides certificates for operators, engineers, broadcast networking, and specialists. Passing an exam is required for most of these certificates.

As addition as the basic CTS and the design and installation CTS, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association now provides a certificate called the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS). All three certificates are valid for three years after completing a test.

Experiential Learning

Work experience in an audiovisual department at a high school or college may also assist in preparing for a career as an audio and video equipment technician. 

Advancement

Many broadcast, sound, and video technicians begin their careers in smaller areas or at smaller stations in bigger markets, but as they develop experience and talents, they often go on to larger, more lucrative radio or television stations. It's rare for a big radio station to recruit a new employee with no prior experience.

Supervisory broadcast technicians and chief broadcast engineers might be hired by experienced professionals with good technical abilities. Engineering or computer science degrees are often required to become a chief broadcast engineer at big television stations.

Qualities that matter

The ability to communicate effectively. Before broadcasts, live performances, and presentations, technicians must interact with managers and colleagues to ensure that customers' demands are satisfied and equipment is correctly set up.

A working knowledge of computers. Programming and editing audio and video recordings need the use of computers by technicians.

Dexterity in the hands. It is a profession that demands a steady hand and strong hand-eye coordination for certain technicians to install audio and video equipment and connections. During broadcasts on radio and television, as well as live concerts, other people manipulate little knobs, dials, and sliders.

Ability to work with issues. Technicians must be able to identify and suggest solutions to equipment issues. Employers are looking for somebody who can do a range of things, such as set up and maintain equipment, as well as diagnose and fix issues as they emerge.

Pay

Broadcast, sound, and video technicians made an average of $50,000 per year in May 2020, according to bls.gov. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median pay, the salary is referred to as the "median wage." Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide range in income.

Job Projections

Media technicians' employment is expected to expand by 21% between 2020 and 2030 on average, outpacing all other professions during that time period.