Broadcast Engineers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Broadcast engineers who are also known as broadcast technicians manage electronic equipment that transmits and records audio signals and visual images for radio and television. They are responsible in setting up, operating and repairing the equipment. Most broadcast engineers work in the studio but some are sent to a different location to set up a radio and television transmitting equipment. Broadcast engineers have a variety of responsibilities that is why they are usually categorized according to the task they perform. Broadcast engineers as an umbrella profession are composed of chief engineers, assistant chief engineers, along with the maintenance technicians, video-control technicians, video-tape recording technicians and video-robo technicians.
Education Knowledge and Trainings Required
High school courses in Science, Computers, Mathematics, and Shop classes are recommended to be taken as these will provide them a very good background for the upcoming undergraduate course. Employers require a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications or any field similar to that. Those who want to be a chief engineer should have a degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering. Those who are certified by Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) are preferred by employers and can expect better salaries than those who have not been certified.
Skills and Abilities
Broadcast engineers should be well-informed and trained in a wide range of technology, from contemporary digital methods to conventional broadcast systems. Several areas of familiarity include acoustical engineering, broadcast mechanization, communications equipment and RF satellite linking. Broadcast engineers should have a strong knowledge in handling extremely technical electronic and computer equipment. Being detail oriented and strong observation skills are essential. It is important for them to communicate effectively with wide range of people.
Duties
Each broadcasting station requires a broadcast engineer.
Duties consist of maintaining digital broadcast automation systems, digital recording equipment, and radio towers. Broadcast engineers also adjust the precision, signal strength, and the series of sounds and colors for radio and television broadcasts. They are responsible in transmitting signals from the studio or from any location they are assigned to. Part of the task of a broadcast engineer includes maintaining broadcast automation systems for the studio and automatic transmission systems for the transmitter plant. It is their responsibility to maintain radio towers which must be retained with appropriate lighting and painting. It is part of their duty to work closely with directors, reporters and producers to make sure that videotaped materials are made clearly. They should be knowledgeable in handling different recording equipment and video cameras.
Earnings and Job Outlook
A broadcast engineer salary depends on the station they are working for. Those who work for larger stations receive higher salary. Earnings are much better when working for a television station rather than working in a radio station. Employment for broadcast engineers is estimated to expand through 2014. Those who want to pursue in this field should expect stiff competition among applicants. The slow growth in television and radio station will affect by decreasing the job opportunities in this field.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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