BROADCAST TECHNICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 359 Interest Area 5-A 1995
Technical activities in the broadcasting industry include a variety of jobs that are indispensable to the operation of television stations. These jobs are grouped under the title BROADCAST TECHNICIAN, and are in the engineering department, the nerve center of television stations. This work includes two categories of workers - maintenance technicians and operations technicians. These workers operate and maintain electronic equipment used in the production, transmission, or reproduction of voice, sound, and visual images in television programs. Maintenance technicians set up, operate, repair, and maintain the electronic broadcasting equipment. They occasionally design and modify equipment to employer specifications. Operations technicians are the daily users of the equipment and are usually either program or production oriented. The division of job responsibilities among types of Broadcast Technicians is not always clear. Broadcast Technicians work with microphones, sound recorders, light and sound effects devices, television cameras, video tape recorders, and motion picture projection equipment.
Broadcast Technicians in small stations perform a wider variety of duties than those in large stations and networks, where assignments may be specialized. Video Tape Recording Operators operate and maintain video tape equipment to transcribe live programs. Many stations use computers to edit material electronically. Video operators control panels of video consoles. They set switches and observe readings to control the contrast, brightness, color, quality, and size of television pictures. Audio operators regulate volume level and quality of sound by adjusting controls and by mixing various audio elements. They assist in determining the number, type, and approximate location of microphones needed for best sound quality. Microphone-Boom operators position microphones to pick up voices of performers in a way that does not distort the voice or interfere with studio lighting. Projectionists operate film and slide projection equipment. Transmitter operators operate and maintain television transmitters according to regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. They monitor incoming and outgoing signals to assure strength, clarity, and reliability.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Technicians usually work indoors in pleasant well lighted and ventilated surroundings. Stations are comfortably cool because transmitters and other electronic equipment must be operated at controlled cool temperatures. When necessary they work outside, sometimes in remote areas. Depending upon the job, physical activity varies from sedentary to strenuous. Some technicians may be on their feet for long periods of time and some jobs require lifting.
Pressure to meet deadlines can be mentally and physically exhausting.
However, the work is usually pleasant and offers relatively good job stability.
Technicians in some broadcast stations may belong to one of the following unions: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET), and various locals of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE).
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. This data shows that the number of Broadcast Technicians will grow much more slowly than average through 2005. (Projected growth for all occupations in California is expected to average 24 percent through 2005.)
Estimated number of workers in 1990 6,310 Estimated number of workers in 2005 6,360 Projected Growth 1990-2005 1% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,940
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover)
The majority of Broadcast Technicians are employed in broadcasting facilities of large metropolitan areas where most specialized jobs are prevalent.
Individuals seeking beginning jobs as Broadcast Technicians are expected to face keen competition in major metropolitan areas. Stations in such areas seek highly experienced personnel to fill few available openings. Prospects for entry-level positions for those with appropriate backgrounds should remain generally good in small cities and towns.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries vary widely with experience, nature of responsibility, and size, location, and success of stations. Beginning Broadcast Technicians in California can earn from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Those with more experience may earn from $1,500 to $4,600 per month. Salaries tend to be higher at large stations and networks in major metropolitan areas. While the normal work week is 40 hours, some technicians work a 35-hour week. Overtime or weekend work may be necessary to meet broadcast deadlines. Evening, night, and weekend shifts are common since many stations are on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Compensation for overtime and night shift differential are available at some companies.
Fringe benefits vary depending on length of service, particular jobs, size of stations, and union contracts. Many stations offer sick leave and holiday and vacation programs, as well as medical and dental coverage. Retirement plans and investment or stock options are available at some facilities.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Federal law requires transmitter operators, who operate broadcast transmitters, to have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Restricted Class Radiotelephone Operator's Permit. An exam is not required; station managers apply to the FCC for the necessary permits. Many employers, however, prefer applicants to have such a permit. Although there are no established educational requirements, having a high school education, or its equivalent, plus job-related courses at a technical school or college, is considered the best way to prepare to enter this field. High school students planning to become technicians should take courses in electronics, computer skills, and theater arts. Depending on the specialization, algebra, trigonometry, and physics can also be useful. Computer literacy is now essential. Career training programs are available at private schools and colleges.
Prospective technicians must have an aptitude for working with electrical and mechanical systems and equipment. Manual dexterity - the ability to perform job tasks requiring precise, coordinated hand movements - is a significant ability. Opportunities for beginners are best in small cities, where less experience may be acceptable. Large stations often require three or more years of experience. Television internship programs are sometimes available through local television stations to qualified applicants.
ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities for advancement depend on the extent and nature of training and experience obtained by technicians. Those who possess the necessary experience and demonstrate above average ability and leadership qualities may advance to supervisory positions. They may move to technical director or through various levels to top positions such as chief engineer or manager of technical operations. Training at a technical school or college is a distinct advantage for those who hope to advance to a supervisory position or to the more specialized jobs in large stations and networks.
FINDING THE JOB
Experienced technicians may find jobs through referrals by their union, the Employment Development Department Job Service, or through private employment agencies. Technicians may also apply directly to employers. Another source of job leads is a training facility's job referral services. Classified ads of broadcasting journals are also helpful.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
National Association of Broadcasters 1771 N St., NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 429-5300
National Ass'n of Broadcast Employees & Technicians 7101 Wisconsin Ave Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 657-8420
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed. Rev. 1) Field Supervisor, Broadcast 193.167-014 Field Engineer 193.262-018 Transmitter Operator 193.262-038 Master Control Operator 194.262-022 Video Operator 194.282-010 Technician, News Gathering 194.362-022 Video Tape Operator 109.382-018
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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