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

Aug 12, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Broadcast technicians are an essential part of the media industry, as they are responsible for ensuring that broadcasts are transmitted with clarity and quality. This is a highly technical job that requires a strong understanding of the equipment used to broadcast television and radio programs, as well as an aptitude for troubleshooting and problem solving. To become a broadcast technician, one must have a strong knowledge of electronics, a thorough understanding of broadcast equipment, and a good eye for detail. With these skills, broadcast technicians can ensure that broadcast signals are transmitted without any issues, leading to more enjoyable experiences for viewers and listeners alike.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer applicants for online broadcast technician positions to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED.
Pursue a postsecondary degree in radio and television broadcasting. Many employers prefer to hire online broadcast technicians who have a postsecondary degree in radio and television broadcasting. These programs are available at many community colleges and universities.
Gain experience in the field. While in postsecondary school, look for internship opportunities with radio and television stations or other broadcast companies. You can also volunteer as a production assistant or camera operator at local events, such as sports games or concerts. This will give you hands-on experience that will be valuable to potential employers.
Get certified. Many employers prefer to hire online broadcast technicians who are certified by the Society of Broadcast Engineers. To become certified, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of radio and television technology and operations.
Look for job openings. Online broadcast technician jobs are available in many different industries, including radio and television broadcasting, cable television, motion picture production and corporate communications. Look for job postings on websites like Indeed and Monster and apply directly to those that interest you.

The rise of online broadcasting has led to an increased demand for skilled and competent broadcast technicians. To meet this demand, broadcast technicians must have a comprehensive understanding of the technology used in online broadcasting, such as audio and video equipment, streaming platforms, and broadcasting software. They must also be able to troubleshoot and maintain broadcast equipment, as well as have a good understanding of the legal and ethical requirements of working in a broadcast environment.

Furthermore, broadcast technicians must possess strong communication skills, be able to work in high-pressure situations, and be able to work with a wide variety of people. As a result, obtaining the necessary qualifications and developing the necessary competencies takes time, effort, and dedication. these skills are invaluable for anyone looking to pursue a career in online broadcasting.

You may want to check Broadcast Video Editor, Broadcast News Anchor, and Broadcast Media Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Set up and operate audio and video equipment for live broadcasts, including cameras, switchers, audio mixers, and other equipment.
Monitor broadcast signals for quality and integrity.
Troubleshoot technical issues and adjust settings to ensure optimal broadcast quality.
Troubleshoot audio issues such as hums, buzzing, or other sound artifacts.
Work with editors to ensure proper synchronization between videos and audio.
Prepare audio and video components for live broadcast events.
Assist in the setup of sets, props, and other items needed for a broadcast.
Ensure that all equipment is properly connected and configured for a successful broadcast.
Adjust settings on video and audio equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Monitor and respond to feedback from viewers during live broadcasts.
Work with producers to coordinate all aspects of a broadcast, including script timing, camera angles, and graphic effects.
Ensure that all equipment is in working order before and after each broadcast.
Stay up to date with new technologies and industry trends in broadcast production.
Organize and maintain broadcast equipment and supplies.
Follow safety protocols when operating broadcast equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of audio and video systems, including digital broadcast and streaming technologies.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues with audio and video equipment.
Proficiency in setting up and operating audio and video equipment.
Ability to utilize digital audio/video editing software.
Understanding of audio mixing techniques and principles.
Ability to create and maintain detailed technical logs.
Proficiency in audio and video encoding techniques.
Knowledge of file formats for audio/video streaming.
Understanding of broadcast standards and protocols.
Ability to monitor the technical quality of a broadcast transmission.
Familiarity with FCC regulations and broadcasting laws.
Ability to communicate effectively with other technicians and staff members.

Broadcast technicians play a critical role in the success of any online broadcast. The most important skill for a broadcast technician to possess is the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues quickly and accurately. This requires a deep understanding of all the hardware and software that makes up a broadcast system, and an ability to think on their feet in order to solve any problems that arise.

Good communication and problem-solving skills are also essential, as technicians must work with other staff members to ensure the broadcast runs smoothly. Lastly, technical proficiency in audio and video editing is key, as technicians must be able to make changes to the broadcast while it is live. All of these skills enable broadcast technicians to provide a seamless experience for viewers, and ensure that any online broadcast runs smoothly.

Broadcast Project Manager, Broadcast Content Producer, and Broadcast Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in online broadcasting?
What experience do you have troubleshooting audio and video issues in a live broadcast setting?
Describe how you manage multiple tasks while working on a live broadcast.
What experience do you have operating cameras, switchers, audio mixers, and other broadcast equipment?
What strategies do you use to ensure a successful live broadcast?
How do you ensure effective communication between yourself and the production crew during a live broadcast?
How do you ensure that the audio and video quality is maintained throughout a live broadcast?
Describe a time when you had to quickly troubleshoot an issue during a live broadcast.
What challenges have you faced while working in a live broadcast environment?
How do you ensure that all the necessary equipment is ready for a live broadcast?

Common Tools in Industry

Video Switcher. A device that allows a user to switch between multiple video sources, such as cameras or playback decks. (eg: Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio Pro HD)
Audio Mixer. A device that allows a user to mix and balance multiple audio sources, such as microphones or soundboards. (eg: Allen & Heath ZED-10FX)
Video Encoder. A device that allows a user to convert and compress video streams into a format suitable for streaming. (eg: Teradek VidiU Pro)
Video Capture Software. Software that allows a user to capture video from a variety of sources, such as cameras or playback decks. (eg: OBS Studio)
Audio Capture Software. Software that allows a user to capture audio from a variety of sources, such as microphones or soundboards. (eg: Audacity)
Streaming Software. Software that allows a user to stream live video and audio to online services. (eg: Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder)
Video Editing Software. Software that allows a user to edit video clips, such as trimming, adding effects, and adding titles and graphics. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Alliance for Community Media (ACM)
International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS)
Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
AES: Audio Engineering Society (AES)
International Association of Music Libraries (IAML)
Association of Public Radio Engineers (APRE)
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)

We also have Broadcast Manager, Broadcast Automation Engineer, and Satellite Broadcast Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Audio Mixer. An audio mixer is a device used to control and manipulate the sound of multiple inputs and outputs in a broadcast environment. It is used to mix the sound from different sources (e. g. microphones, musical instruments, sound effects) and to combine them into a single output.
Audio Editing Software. Audio editing software is used to record, mix, edit, and manipulate sound files. This type of software is essential for broadcast technicians as it allows them to create professional-quality audio mixes.
Compression. Compression is a technique used to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal. This is important in broadcast environments as it helps to make sure that the audio signal is loud and clear without exceeding the maximum output level.
EQ (Equalization). Equalization is a process of using filters to alter the frequency content of an audio signal. This can be used to adjust the balance between different frequencies in an audio mix, allowing the engineer to shape the sound of the mix.
Audio Codecs. Audio codecs are used to compress and decompress audio signals for transmission over networks. They are an important tool for broadcast technicians as they allow for efficient transmission of audio signals over the Internet or other networks.
Streaming Technology. Streaming technology refers to technologies used for delivering media content over a network in real time. This is important for broadcast technicians as it allows them to deliver their audio signals to remote audiences in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Online Broadcast Technician?

An Online Broadcast Technician is a professional responsible for setting up and operating audio and video equipment for live broadcasts over the internet.

What types of equipment do Online Broadcast Technicians work with?

Online Broadcast Technicians typically work with cameras, microphones, headsets, audio mixers, audio processors, and streaming software.

What skills are required to be an Online Broadcast Technician?

Online Broadcast Technicians need to have a working knowledge of audio and video equipment, troubleshooting skills, and the ability to multitask and work quickly in a fast-paced environment.