Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for TV Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

The TV Specialist is the technical backbone of our broadcast operations, responsible for ensuring the seamless acquisition, production, and transmission of video and audio content. At the heart of this role is a deep expertise in broadcast technology, from traditional baseband systems to modern IP-based workflows. This individual is a proactive problem-solver and a guardian of quality, meticulously monitoring signals, maintaining equipment, and providing critical support during live productions. This position is crucial for upholding the network's reputation for technical excellence and delivering a flawless viewing experience to our audience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Master Control Operator
Production Assistant / Technical Runner
AV Technician or IT Support Specialist with a media focus

Advancement To:

Senior Broadcast Engineer or Lead TV Specialist
Broadcast Systems Engineer
Director of Broadcast Operations or Chief Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Media Asset Manager
Video Editor / Post-Production Specialist
IT Systems Engineer (Media & Entertainment)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and meticulously maintain a wide array of broadcast equipment, including video switchers, audio consoles, graphics generators, and robotic camera systems during live and pre-recorded productions.
Perform comprehensive quality control checks on all incoming and outgoing video and audio signals to ensure they meet strict broadcast standards and technical specifications for resolution, frame rate, and loudness (CALM Act).
Conduct routine preventative maintenance, software/firmware updates, and performance tuning on broadcast hardware and systems to maximize uptime and operational reliability.
Configure and troubleshoot complex signal routing and processing paths for both baseband (SDI) and IP-based (SMPTE 2110, NDI) video and audio workflows.
Serve as a primary technical resource during live broadcasts, rapidly identifying, diagnosing, and resolving on-air issues with equipment, signals, or automation systems under high-pressure conditions.
Manage and troubleshoot integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) for satellite and fiber-based content acquisition, ensuring signal integrity from remote sources.
Calibrate and align broadcast monitors, waveform monitors, and vectorscopes to guarantee accurate color representation and video level monitoring across the facility.
Install, terminate, and test broadcast cabling, including coaxial (BNC), fiber optic, and Ethernet, while maintaining organized and professional wiring standards.
Collaborate closely with production teams, directors, and master control operators to understand technical requirements for upcoming shows and events, and prepare equipment accordingly.
Monitor and manage broadcast automation systems, verifying playlists, flagging missing media, and intervening manually when necessary to ensure uninterrupted programming.
Document all technical issues, maintenance activities, and system configuration changes in a detailed log or ticketing system for future reference and team awareness.
Assist in the design, integration, and commissioning of new broadcast systems, equipment racks, and control rooms as part of facility upgrades and expansion projects.
Operate and maintain video encoding and transcoding systems for contribution feeds, OTT streaming, and video-on-demand (VOD) asset creation.
Provide technical support for non-linear editing (NLE) suites and shared storage systems, ensuring editors have reliable access to media assets.
Manage and test communications systems, including multi-channel intercom (e.g., RTS, Clear-Com) and IFB (Interruptible Foldback) for talent and crew.
Execute disaster recovery protocols and switch to backup systems seamlessly in the event of a primary system failure to minimize on-air disruption.
Stay current with emerging broadcast technologies, industry standards (SMPTE, SCTE), and best practices to contribute to the organization's technical evolution.
Prepare and quality-check content for playout, ensuring correct formatting, presence of closed captions, and adherence to ad insertion cues.
Coordinate with external vendors and support teams for advanced troubleshooting and repair of specialized broadcast equipment under warranty or service contract.
Set up and operate remote broadcast equipment for field productions, including portable switchers, bonded cellular transmitters, and point-to-point transmission links.
Ensure all operations adhere to FCC regulations and other relevant legal and technical guidelines governing television broadcasting.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to broadcast system performance.
Contribute to the organization's technology strategy and roadmap by providing insights from the operational front line.
Collaborate with business units to translate their content and production needs into tangible engineering and equipment requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if working within a development-focused broadcast engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep understanding of video and audio signal theory, including SDI/HD-SDI, digital audio formats (AES/EBU), and timecode.
Proficiency with broadcast automation systems (e.g., Grass Valley, Evertz, Ross, Imagine Communications).
Hands-on experience with core broadcast hardware like production switchers, routing switchers, multiviewers, and character generators.
Strong knowledge of video compression codecs (e.g., MPEG-2, H.264, HEVC) and transport streams.
Familiarity with IP-based broadcast standards and protocols, such as SMPTE ST 2110, ST 2022-6, and NDI.
Competency in using test and measurement equipment, including waveform monitors, vectorscopes, and signal generators.
Experience with master control operations, including playlist management and commercial integration.
Fundamental knowledge of IT networking principles (TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs) as they apply to a broadcast environment.
Ability to read and interpret system schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
Experience with satellite and fiber transmission systems, including uplink/downlink equipment and IRDs.

Soft Skills

Exceptional problem-solving abilities under high-pressure, live broadcast situations.
Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to technical precision and quality.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team.
A calm and composed demeanor when faced with unexpected technical failures.
Proactive and methodical approach to maintenance and system health checks.
Excellent time management skills to handle concurrent tasks during a live production.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's degree or a certificate from a recognized technical school.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Broadcast Technology or Engineering
Electronics Engineering Technology
Communications or Media Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience in a television broadcast facility, network operations center, or live production environment.

Preferred: Direct experience as a Master Control Operator, Broadcast Technician, or Maintenance Engineer in a 24/7 live television operation. Certifications such as SBE (Society of Broadcast Engineers) are highly valued.