What are the responsibilities and job description for the Master Control Technician position at The Weather Channel?
About the Job
The Master Control Technician provides 24x7 operational support for all Master Control Operations, Production Systems, Remote Operational Support and Distribution Systems in use by The Weather Channel and other networks operated by The Weather Group and Entertainment Studios. The MCT is primarily responsible for editing, loading and monitoring the network playlist using the automation systems. This includes last minute changes by the Editorial and Programming departments in the live news environment. Master Control also provides monitoring and reporting support of the other networks within the Entertainment Studios lineup. The Master Control Technician must have very strong communication skills and the ability to thoroughly document issues and resolutions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the integrity of TWC’s network feeds and validate air automation operations.
- Provide tier 1 technical and customer support for TWC’s broadcast and production facility.
- Assist in troubleshooting television broadcast and production equipment issues including but not limited to, air automation systems, servers, master control switchers, broadcast related computer graphic systems, emergency power systems, transmission systems and broadcast support equipment.
- Perform and log daily operational checks of critical broadcast equipment to ensure identified signals meet industry performance standards.
- Monitor and correct/improve the quality of the video/audio signals and programming for TWC projects.
- Proactively monitor critical broadcast systems for defects or system failures and escalate or make repairs as necessary.
- Support non-core MCR equipment/systems as needed.
- Maintain records which include, but are not limited to, engineering shift logs, AQS reports, & engineering service request forms.
- Provide system outage notifications for critical system failures.
- Ensure that operational documentation is current and recommend processes to continuously improve documentation.
- Participate in all critical systems and career growth training.
- Proactively communicate the status of operations and engineering issues and coordinate repair information flow to the Engineer-On-Duty, Broadcast Operations and Engineering management team, and to Broadcast Engineering clients.
- Work as a part of a team to continually develop and improve processes used to support MCR clients.
- Accept assignments and technological challenges as required by an ever changing dynamic media operations environment.
Education, Experience, Certification Requirements
- 3 years technical training with experience in Master Control, Broadcast Engineering or similar technical environment.
- 2 year Technical Degree (4 year preferred) or equivalent experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent Written/Verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage several activities simultaneously in a rapidly changing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
- Possess working knowledge of Broadcast Automation Systems and Master Control Environments.
- Demonstrated strong desire to continually increase technical and operations knowledge of all equipment and systems used.
- Willing to work holidays and any assigned shift in a 24/7 environment.
- Excels in customer communications and support.
- Demonstrated strong desire to continually increase technical and operational knowledge of all equipment and systems used.
- Will be required to sit in a chair from 2 – 4 hours at a time.
- Will be required to wear a headset and/or listen to multiple audio sources simultaneously.
Allen Media Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these characteristics. We are dedicated to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.