Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Broadcast Technician
What broadcast technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a broadcast technician?
Check overnight logs. From there, the day usually includes run master control, monitor signals, and operate switchers. Shifts cover 24/7 broadcasting.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a broadcast technician working full time.
- Check overnight logs.
- Run the morning newscast.
- Fix a camera feed.
- Maintain the transmitter.
- Run the noon show.
- Set up a live truck.
- Hand off.
Where broadcast technicians work
Technicians work in stations, control rooms and remote sites.
Hours and schedule
Shifts cover 24/7 broadcasting.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Run master control
- Monitor signals
- Operate switchers
- Maintain equipment
- Set up remote broadcasts
- Troubleshoot outages
- Log transmissions
Tools you’ll use every day
- Video switchers
- Audio consoles
- Waveform monitors
- Encoders
- Transmitters
- Automation systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Technical media work
- Live TV excitement
- Two-year path
- IP video skills
What’s hard
- Declining jobs
- Shift work
- Outage pressure
- Automation
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like media tech
- I stay calm live
- I like troubleshooting
- I can work shifts
- I want a two-year path
- I like electronics
Not sure? Take the free Broadcast Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow RF safety at transmitters
- Follow electrical safety
- Use fall protection on towers
- Follow FCC rules