Sr. Playout Operator

About the role 

The Playout team within Media Engineering & Operations ensures the 24/7 continuity and quality of our linear broadcast outputs in Türkiye. As a Senior Playout Operator, you safeguard on-air transmission, lead complex live and recorded playout activities, execute rapid failovers, and coordinate closely with Studios, Engineering, and Editorial. Your work directly protects audience experience and brand reputation by keeping every frame on time, compliant, and interruption-free. 

What will you do 

• Monitor and operate end-to-end playout and transmission chains to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 on-air continuity. 

• Maintain and routinely test backup chains; execute immediate failover to prevent/resolve black, frozen frames, and loss of output. 

• Diagnose and minimize on-air risk by intervening on automation, database/asset management, graphics/CG, and server-room equipment; escalate per incident workflows. 

• Before live programs, perform technical checks (video, audio, intercom, sync) with studio teams; give final countdowns and ensure clean take-to-air/record. 

• Quality-check ingested materials (films, series, promos) for technical readiness; flag deficiencies to relevant teams. 

• Maintain stability of channel video servers; intervene promptly on any technical fault. 

• Track playout server capacity daily; remove expired assets to ensure adequate headroom. 

• When automation is impaired, sustain transmission using controlled manual operation to preserve continuity. 

• Prepare system configurations and safely deploy them to broadcast devices following change procedures. 

• Produce accurate transmission/as-run reports and maintain disciplined shift handovers and logs. 

• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations on root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Support compliance with relevant broadcast standards and internal safety procedures. 

• Ensure all digital activities reflect Disney’s values: Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Community, and Inclusion. 

What will you bring 

Essential 

• Bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV, Communications, Broadcast Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience). 

• Prior experience in a 24/7 playout/MCR environment with on-air responsibility. 

• Strong attention to detail and timing; calm, decisive action during live incidents. 

• Proficiency with playlist validation, transmission switching, video servers, and graphics/CG playout. 

• Effective collaboration and communication across studios, editorial, engineering, and vendors. 

• Analytical, proactive problem-solver with strong ownership and accountability. 

• Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts (nights, weekends, public holidays). 

• Fluent Turkish and professional English (written and spoken). 

Preferred 

• Hands-on experience with intercom, routing, multiviewers, and broadcast automation systems. 

• Knowledge of compliance fundamentals (e.g., loudness, rating icons, captions/subtitles basics). 

• Experience preparing backup chains and executing live failovers. 

• Familiarity with incident/problem management practices and reporting. 

• For candidates subject to Türkiye’s compulsory military service: obligation fulfilled (if applicable). 

What you need to know 

• Role is site-based in the playout/control environment and operates on a rotating 24/7 shift schedule. 

• Occasional coordination across time zones for live events and vendor maintenance may be required. 

• Accountability: Senior Manager, Operations; no budget responsibility. 

• Minimal travel; primarily within İstanbul, Türkiye.