How to Be Broadcast Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 7, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The importance of a Broadcast Engineer cannot be overstated in the world of television and radio. A Broadcast Engineer is responsible for ensuring signal integrity, sound quality, and broadcast reliability by maintaining and repairing the technical infrastructure of studios, transmitters, and other broadcast facilities. Without a knowledgeable Broadcast Engineer, a broadcaster can encounter many problems, ranging from audio quality issues to signal transmission failure.

Poor signal quality can lead to a decrease in viewership and listener loyalty, resulting in a decrease in revenue for the broadcaster. the lack of technical expertise can cause costly repairs and replacements that would have been preventable with the proper maintenance by a Broadcast Engineer.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in broadcast engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is necessary to become a broadcast engineer. Many programs provide hands-on experience, and some offer internships with broadcast stations or production companies.
Develop Technical Skills. Broadcast engineers must be proficient in a variety of technical skills, such as basic electronics, audio engineering, video engineering, digital systems, networking, and telecommunications.
Pursue Certification. Broadcast engineers may choose to pursue certification from various organizations, such as the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, and the Audio Engineering Society. These certifications can demonstrate a level of expertise that employers seek.
Gain Experience. To become a successful broadcast engineer, it is important to gain experience in the field. This can be done through internships or hands-on training at a broadcast station or production company.
Stay Up to Date. Broadcast engineers must be aware of the latest advances in technology. They should stay up to date on new products and technology, attend conferences and seminars, and participate in professional organizations.

Broadcast engineers are responsible for ensuring reliable and competent operation of broadcast equipment. To do this, they must be highly trained in the latest technology and have experience with a variety of electrical systems. In addition, they need to understand the principles of signal processing and transmission, as well as be proficient in troubleshooting and repairing broadcast systems.

Furthermore, they must remain up-to-date on industry best practices, such as safety requirements and maintenance protocols. As a result of these qualifications, broadcast engineers are able to reliably and competently manage the complex networks associated with broadcasting, allowing viewers to enjoy uninterrupted access to their favorite programs.

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Job Description

Design and construct broadcast engineering systems for radio, television, and other media outlets.
Monitor and maintain broadcast equipment such as transmitters, antennas, and other hardware.
Perform regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs of broadcast systems.
Keep broadcast equipment up to industry standards, ensuring safety and quality.
Design and implement broadcast engineering workflows and processes.
Install and configure broadcast systems for new projects.
Assist with the development of new broadcast technologies.
Assist with the installation and maintenance of broadcast systems in remote locations.
Perform regular tests on broadcast systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
Monitor broadcast signals for quality and reliability.
Work with other departments to ensure that broadcasting systems are functioning properly.
Create technical documents and reports to document broadcast engineering progress.
Stay up to date on the latest developments in broadcast engineering technology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of broadcast engineering principles and equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with broadcast systems
Knowledge of software and hardware for broadcast systems
Knowledge of video production, audio engineering, and lighting
Ability to work independently and in teams
Knowledge of radio and television regulations
Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations
Ability to install, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment
Technical aptitude and hands-on skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Ability to work long hours, often in shifts
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Ability to work with a variety of teams, such as production staff, directors, announcers, and other staff

Broadcast engineering is an essential skill in the media industry. Good broadcast engineers are critical to the success of any broadcast, as they are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the equipment and systems used in the production of audio and video content. In order for a broadcast to be successful, there must be a proper level of technical proficiency from the engineer.

This involves understanding of audio and video engineering principles, knowledge of current technologies, and the ability to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently. Without the expertise of a broadcast engineer, there can be costly delays, poor audio and video quality, and costly transmission interruptions that can lead to a loss of viewers or listeners. Therefore, having a broadcast engineer on staff is an important part of any media production team.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How familiar are you with the fundamentals of broadcast engineering?
Describe your experience working with digital audio systems and video equipment.
Are you familiar with the various regulations and standards governing broadcast engineering?
Describe a challenging project you have worked on and how you overcame it.
What experience do you have in troubleshooting broadcast equipment?
Describe any experience you have in maintaining broadcast equipment.
How do you stay up to date on new broadcast engineering technologies and techniques?
Are you comfortable working with a wide variety of broadcast equipment?
How do you manage numerous tasks and prioritize them effectively?
Do you have any experience in designing new broadcast systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Audio Mixer. A device used to mix and balance audio signals from multiple sources. (Eg: Yamaha MGP32X Audio Mixer)
Signal Generator. A device used to generate electrical signals of various frequencies and types. (Eg: Tektronix SG5030 Signal Generator)
Cable Tester. A device used to test the integrity of cables and connectors. (Eg: Fluke Networks Cable Tester)
Antenna Analyzer. A device used to measure the characteristics of antennas. (Eg: RigExpert AA-30 Antenna Analyzer)
Antenna Rotator. A device used to rotate antennas in order to maximize signal reception. (Eg: Channel Master CM-9000 Antenna Rotator)
Spectrum Analyzer. A device used to measure the strength and frequency of electromagnetic signals. (Eg: Agilent N9320A Spectrum Analyzer)
Oscilloscope. A device used to measure voltage, time, and other electrical signals. (Eg: Tektronix TDS3054B Oscilloscope)
Network Monitor. A device used to monitor the performance of a computer network. (Eg: SolarWinds Network Monitor)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE)
Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)

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Common Important Terms

Audio Engineering. The practice of creating and manipulating audio signals. This includes the manipulation of sound through recording, mixing, and mastering.
Video Engineering. The practice of creating and manipulating video signals. This includes video production, editing, and post-production.
RF Engineering. The practice of designing and configuring radio frequency (RF) systems. This includes the design of antennas, transmission lines, and other components.
Network Engineering. The practice of designing, building, and maintaining computer networks. This includes the design of routers, switches, and other network components.
System Engineering. The practice of designing and integrating technical systems. This includes the design of software, hardware, and other components.
Computer Engineering. The practice of designing, building, and maintaining computers. This includes the design of hardware, software, and other components.
Software Engineering. The practice of creating, testing, and maintaining software applications. This includes the design of algorithms, user interfaces, and other components.
Electrical Engineering. The practice of designing, building, and maintaining electrical systems. This includes the design of power supplies, circuits, and other components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Broadcast Engineer? A1: A Broadcast Engineer is a professional responsible for the maintenance and installation of broadcast equipment used in television and radio systems. Q2: What tasks are associated with the role of a Broadcast Engineer? A2: Tasks associated with the role of a Broadcast Engineer include troubleshooting, calibrating, repairing, and installing broadcast equipment, as well as monitoring and adjusting audio and video signals. Q3: What qualifications are required to become a Broadcast Engineer? A3: A Broadcast Engineer typically requires a degree in electronics engineering technology, audio engineering, or a related field. Additionally, experience in the field of broadcasting is required. Q4: What type of equipment does a Broadcast Engineer work with? A4: A Broadcast Engineer typically works with a variety of broadcast equipment such as microphones, amplifiers, mixers, transmitters, receivers, cameras, and other related equipment. Q5: What is the average salary for a Broadcast Engineer? A5: The average salary for a Broadcast Engineer is around $50,000 - $70,000 per year.