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Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators set up, operate, and maintain a wide variety of electrical and electronic equipment.
Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations and news conferences. :
- microphones
- sound speakers
- video screens
- projectors
- video monitors
- recording equipment
Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain equipment that regulates the signal strength, clarity, and the range of sounds and colors of radio or television broadcasts.
Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, or movie and video productions.
Radio operators mainly receive and transmit communications using a variety of tools. These workers also repair equipment, using such devices as electronic testing equipment, handtools, and power tools.
Recording Engineers operate and maintain video and sound recording equipment. They may operate equipment designed to produce special effects, such as the illusions of a bolt of lightning or a police siren. Sound mixers or re-recording mixers produce soundtracks for movies or television programs.
Field technicians set up and operate portable transmission equipment outside the studio. Because television news coverage requires so much electronic equipment and the technology is changing so rapidly, many stations assign technicians exclusively to news.
Chief Engineers, transmission engineers, and broadcast field supervisors oversee other technicians and maintain broadcasting equipment.
NOTE: The transition to digital recording, editing and broadcasting has greatly changed the work of broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators. Software on desktop computers has replaced specialized electronic equipment in many recording and editing functions. Most radio and television stations have replaced videotapes and audiotapes with computer hard drives and other computer data storage systems.
How long will it take?
The best way to prepare for a broadcast and sound engineering technician job is to obtain technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology, electronics or computer networking. At AC, that means training in less than two years!
How much will you earn?
(2006 median annual earnings)
Motion picture and video industries -- $34,530
Radio/TV broadcasting -- $27,380
Sound engineering -- $43,010
Radio operators -- $37,890
Where can you work?
All television and radio stations hire technicians and engineers. Large stations usually hire only technicians with experience. It's best to get a job at a television or radio station in a smaller city to gain experience to work in a larger city. More job opportunities are available in smaller cities.
Employers in the motion picture industry usually hire experienced freelance technicians on a picture-by-picture basis.
AC can help you get there!
Electronics Engineering Technology
