What Does a Broadcast Technician Do?
Broadcast technicians switch a station between network feeds, local shows and commercials from master control, the room that sends the final signal to air. On live programs they work the audio board, studio cameras and teleprompter, in the control rooms and studios of TV and radio stations. Some specialize in studio audio or camera work.
Also known as: TV Production Technician, Broadcast Operations Technician
Broadcast Technician Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a broadcast technician include:
- Run master control, switching between network feeds, local programs and commercials on schedule.
- Load and check the automation playlist, fixing timing gaps before they reach air.
- Operate audio boards for live shows, keeping levels steady and microphones cued.
- Set up and run studio cameras, lights and teleprompters for news and talk programs.
- Ingest, record and label incoming programs, promos and remote feeds.
- Watch audio and video quality on monitors and scopes, and correct problems quickly.
- Log what aired and note any discrepancies for traffic and billing staff.
- Patch remote broadcasts from games, concerts and events back to the studio.
- Build on-screen graphics, name captions and crawls in the character generator.
- Report equipment faults to the broadcast engineer and do basic cleaning and cable repairs.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a broadcast technician, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Master control and automation systems
- Audio board operation
- Studio camera and lighting basics
- Reading waveform monitors and audio meters
- Quick reactions when a feed drops
- Attention to on-air timing
- Flexible schedule, including overnight shifts
- Basic electronics and cable repair
Education and Training
Entry to a station with only a high school diploma might be possible, but applicants with an associate degree in broadcast or electronics technology will have a clear advantage over other candidates. Most stations require technicians to be flexible about shifts. With experience, you could move into areas such as video production or IT support for media companies.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $40,320 - $83,520 per year, with a median of $59,570.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Broadcast Technicians.
According to BLS, employment of broadcast technicians is projected to decline about 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, with roughly 1,600 openings a year. Jobs in this field often are tied to how much stations automate master control, but technicians will be needed as live sports, news and events still need a crew.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Broadcast technicians.