Broadcast, Sound and Video Technicians
Additional Information
Duties
Engineers in the fields of sound and video often do the following tasks:
- Maintain a high standard of audio, video, sound, lighting, and broadcasting quality by operating, monitoring, and adjusting the relevant equipment.
- Organize and dismantle equipment for live performances and events.
- Recording equipment or computers can 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.
- To edit on a computer, convert video and audio files to digital forms.
- A/V and lighting equipment should be installed in hotels, workplaces, and educational facilities.
- Be on the lookout for sophisticated equipment malfunctions and get it repaired on a regular basis.
- Recordings and equipment utilized should be documented.
Technicians, operators, or engineers in the field of broadcast or sound engineering can all be used to describe these individuals. Depending on the sort of technician or business they work in, the type of audio and video equipment they employ may vary. If you work for a small radio or television station, you could be responsible for more than you think. 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 can diverge depending on the specifics of their work. Broadcast, sound, and video technicians include, for example:
It is their job to set up, repair and disassemble audio and video equipment. Audio-visual technicians are also known as A/V technicians. They also set up and run sound and mixing boards, as well as other electrical equipment.
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 equipment they run.
Broadcast technicians, sometimes known as broadcast engineers, are responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the equipment that controls the strength, clarity, and range of sounds and colors used in radio and television transmissions. Radio and television shows can be transmitted from studios or locations in the field using transmitters. To edit audio and video recordings, broadcast specialists utilize computer applications as well.
Electricians and other riggers who work in the field of lighting rig and fixture installation and maintenance are known as lighting technicians. Light fixtures and other lighting accessories can also be controlled by them.
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 productions with the help of this equipment.
Education
There are a wide range of educational requirements for audio and video, lighting, and sound engineering technicians, depending on the job. An associate degree is often 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 some 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 can take months or even years to finish at the postsecondary level. A non-degree award or a college degree may be obtained through these programs, which typically give hands-on experience with the equipment needed in many entry-level employments.
An associate 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.
Education in the creative and performing arts or related fields such as communications technology may be useful, although it isn't always essential.
Training
In order to stay abreast of the most recent developments in technology, technicians frequently enroll in continuing education courses and undergo on-the-job training. Setting up cables or automation systems, testing electrical equipment, and learning industry regulations and standards are all part of on-the-job training.
Different goods and services require different training methods for newly hired employees. A new worker's educational background might also influence the amount of training they require.
Registration, Certification, and Licensing
Despite the fact that certification isn't needed by most organizations, it might help you land a position in broadcast or sound engineering. A technician's ability to stay abreast of emerging technology and fulfill industry requirements is demonstrated by a certification.
The Society of Broadcast Engineers provides certificates for operators, engineers, broadcast networking, and specialists. Passing an exam is required for most of these certificates.
As well 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.
Other People's Stories
Work experience in an audiovisual department at a high school or college can also assist in preparing for a career as an audio and video equipment tech.
Advancement
Many radio and television technicians begin their careers in smaller cities or smaller stations in bigger areas before moving on to larger, more lucrative radio and television stations. Few big stations recruit someone without prior experience, and they place a high priority on particular competencies.
Supervisory broadcast technicians and chief broadcast engineers might be hired by experienced professionals with good technical abilities. Technicians often require a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science to become the head broadcast engineer at big television stations.
Qualities that may matter
The ability to effectively communicate. In order to guarantee that customers' expectations are satisfied, and that equipment is correctly set up before broadcasts, live performances, and presentations, technicians must interact with managers as well as coworkers.
Computer-savvy Technicians use computers to set up and edit audio and video equipment, as well as to program it.
Dexterity of the hands. Technicians who work with audio and video equipment and cables must have strong hand-eye coordination and a steady hand. During radio and television broadcasts and live performances, other people manipulate little knobs, dials, and sliders.
Ability to work with issues. Technicians must be able to identify equipment issues and offer remedies. For the most part, employers are looking for people with a wide range of abilities, such as setting up and maintaining equipment.
Pay
The median annual wage for broadcast, sound, and video technicians was $56,600 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,980, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,610.
Job Projections
Overall employment of broadcast, sound, and video technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.