Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Board Operator

🎯 Role Definition

A Board Operator (also called board op, audio board operator, or console operator) is responsible for operating the audio console and broadcast automation systems during live and recorded radio/television/streaming productions. The role requires precise audio mixing, spot and cue management, real-time troubleshooting of audio/video feed paths, strict adherence to station policies and FCC regulations, and close coordination with producers, talent, engineers, and traffic teams to deliver clean, timely broadcasts. Ideal candidates are calm under pressure, technically savvy with digital audio workflows and AoIP consoles, and experienced in live broadcast pacing and timing.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant / Intern (radio/TV studio)
Live Sound Assistant or Stagehand
Audio Technician or Media Production Assistant

Advancement To:

Chief Board Operator / Lead Board Op
Broadcast Engineer / Senior Broadcast Technician
Production Supervisor or Technical Director
On-Air Producer or Program Director (for content-focused track)

Lateral Moves:

Audio Editor / Producer (post-production)
Remote/Field Broadcast Technician
Streaming/Podcast Producer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and mix multitrack audio consoles during live radio or television broadcasts, maintaining consistent levels, clarity of speech and music, and correct routing between studio, STL, satellite, and streaming outputs.
Follow the program rundown and segment timing precisely: cue music beds, voice tracks, live reads, commercial spots, traffic and weather cut-ins, and station IDs to the second to ensure seamless show flow.
Manage broadcast automation systems (ENCO, RCS, WideOrbit, Dalet, or equivalent), load daily rundowns, verify scheduled spots and promos, and perform manual overrides when live events require adjustments.
Coordinate with producers, on-air talent, and remote correspondents via IFB/talkback to set cue tones, control mic gating, adjust talent monitor mixes, and ensure clear communication throughout the show.
Monitor incoming feed sources (satellite, IP streams, STL, phone hybrids, ISDN/VoIP) for signal integrity, latency, and sync; patch, switch, and route sources as necessary during live breaks.
Maintain accurate broadcast logs, program logs, and FCC-required documentation including commercial logs, EAS activations, and any broadcast anomalies or complaints.
Execute spot insertion and traffic reconciliation: verify advertisers’ spots, insert commercials at scheduled times, mark logs, and liaise with the traffic department to resolve discrepancies.
Perform live audio editing and pre-show prep using DAWs (Pro Tools, Adobe Audition) to trim, level, and QC pre-recorded content, promos, and liners before they go on air.
Troubleshoot audio and console issues in real time—identify noisy channels, faulty routing, latency or digital clocking problems, and apply quick fixes or escalate to engineering with clear diagnostic steps.
Set up, test, and operate remote broadcast rigs including remote mixers, IFB, codecs, and remote recording solutions for remotes, concerts, and remote interviews.
Mix live music segments and remote performances ensuring proper mic selection, levels, monitoring, and front-to-backstage communication to prevent feedback and preserve audio fidelity.
Prepare shift handover documentation and backups: leave notes on current log state, scheduled pre-records, ongoing issues, and any mid-shift changes to ensure continuity between operators.
Maintain and update the station’s audio library and metadata: edit metadata tags, organize session files, archive airchecks, and ensure the automation system reflects current assets.
Conduct routine checks and basic maintenance of studio gear—patch bays, headphone amps, talkback systems, microphones, and console surface—reporting outages and scheduling repairs with engineering.
Enforce station policies, music and advertising rotations, legal IDs, and profanity-free content; be prepared to implement delay systems and dump bad language when required.
Execute EAS (Emergency Alert System) tests, follow procedures for receiving/transmitting alerts, and document any action taken during alerts according to station policy.
Record, label, and archive airchecks and critical live segments for compliance, quality review, and client requests, ensuring secure storage and easy retrieval.
Coordinate with technical operations to implement system updates, console firmware upgrades, and migration plans; participate in testing and rollouts to minimize on-air disruption.
Train new board operators and interns on console operation, station procedures, live mixing best practices, and the use of automation and logging systems.
Monitor and manage on-air levels to maintain loudness and commercial delivery standards (LUFS, true peak), applying EQ, compression, and gating as appropriate for broadcast compliance.
Assist producers and creative teams with pre-production tasks such as preparing beds, liner packages, pre-recorded interviews, and voiceover sessions to ensure on-air readiness.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc audio edits, program prep, and post-production tasks when not assigned to a live shift.
Contribute to the station’s disaster recovery plan for broadcast continuity and participate in scheduled drills and emergency workflow testing.
Maintain accurate inventory of studio consumables (cables, adapters, batteries) and help source spare parts to minimize downtime during live broadcasts.
Assist with captioning or metadata requirements for streaming and OTT platforms, ensuring accessibility and discoverability of archived content.
Participate in production meetings to advise on technical feasibility, timing constraints, and best practices for live and syndicated content integration.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient operation of broadcast audio consoles (analog and digital) — experience with Axia, Wheatstone, Lawo, Studer, Yamaha or equivalent.
Experience with broadcast automation software such as ENCO, RCS Zetta/Selector, WideOrbit, Dalet, or NexGen.
Strong working knowledge of DAWs (Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Reaper) for quick edits and aircheck preparation.
Familiarity with AoIP standards and routing (AES67, Dante, AES/EBU, MADI) and practical experience with IP audio consoles.
Skilled at operating phone hybrids, codecs, satellite receivers, STL links, and remote broadcast codecs (Comrex, Tieline).
Ability to read and maintain program logs, FCC-required documentation, and commercial/traffic logs.
Basic live-sound mixing skills: EQ, compression, gating, and monitor mixes for multi-microphone situations.
Understanding of loudness standards and audio metering (LUFS, RMS, true peak) and experience applying processing to meet compliance.
Proficient in signal troubleshooting, patch bay routing, clocking and digital audio sync issues.
Familiarity with talkback/IFB systems, cueing protocols, and studio-to-control-room communications.
Knowledge of EAS procedures and practical experience conducting or responding to EAS tests and activations.
Comfortable using metadata and asset management systems for content tagging, retrieval, and archiving.
Experience with live remote setups, including field kits, preamp selection, and on-site troubleshooting.

Soft Skills

Calm, decisive problem-solving under high-pressure live conditions.
Excellent verbal communication and clear, concise talkback etiquette with talent and producers.
Strong attention to detail and timing — ability to hit cues and transitions to the second.
Team player who collaborates with producers, engineers, traffic, and on-air talent to deliver flawless broadcasts.
Proactive planner who prepares checklists, backups, and contingency plans for live shows.
Quick learner with adaptability to new equipment, workflows, and software updates.
Time management and multi-tasking: balance mixing, logging, and coordination simultaneously.
Customer-service orientation when working with clients, advertisers, and remote guests.
Professional discretion and reliability when handling sensitive content and off-air conversations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with vocational/broadcasting coursework or on-the-job training.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or certificate in Broadcast Technology, Audio Engineering, Media Production, or Communications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Broadcast Engineering
Audio Production / Music Technology
Communications / Media Studies
Electrical/Audio Electronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years in live radio/TV/streaming board operation, studio mixing, or live sound environments.

Preferred: 2–4 years operating broadcast consoles and automation systems in a live station environment, with examples of handling remote broadcasts, spot insertion, and log maintenance.