Master Control Operator

Description

The Master Control Operator (MCO) is responsible for maintaining the accurate, uninterrupted broadcast of television programming, commercials, promotional material, station identification, and other scheduled content.

This position monitors the station’s on-air signals and technical systems, follows daily broadcast logs, identifies and responds to transmission or playback problems, and works with programming, traffic, production, and engineering personnel to keep the station on the air and operating correctly.

Primary Responsibilities

· Operate and monitor television Master Control systems during assigned shifts.

· Monitor on-air programming and station signals for video, audio, captioning, timing, and transmission problems.

· Execute daily program and commercial logs accurately.

· Verify that scheduled programs, commercials, promotional announcements, station IDs, and other content air as scheduled.

· Monitor automation and playout systems and respond to system alarms or failures.

· Perform manual switching or playback when automation fails or operational circumstances require intervention.

· Monitor incoming network and syndicated programming feeds.

· Verify proper recording and/or acquisition of scheduled programming.

· Monitor broadcast signal quality and immediately identify video or audio abnormalities.

· Perform basic troubleshooting of automation, playback, routing, audio, video, and transmission systems.

· Escalate technical problems to Engineering when they cannot be resolved at the operator level.

· Maintain accurate discrepancy reports and document missed spots, incorrect content, technical interruptions, or other broadcast issues.

· Coordinate with Traffic regarding commercial log discrepancies or missing commercial material.

· Coordinate with Programming and Production regarding missing or incorrect program and promotional content.

· Assist Engineering with basic operational checks and troubleshooting when requested.

· Monitor Emergency Alert System (EAS) equipment and follow station procedures for required alerts and tests.

· Verify required station identification and other scheduled broadcast elements.

· Follow FCC requirements and company policies applicable to television broadcast operations.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Master Control environment.

· Communicate significant technical or programming issues to incoming operators during shift changes.

Technical Responsibilities

The Master Control Operator should develop working knowledge of:

· Television automation and playout systems

· Broadcast traffic logs

· Video servers and content storage systems

· Broadcast routing and switching systems

· Program ingest and recording

· Network and syndicated program feeds

· Audio and video signal monitoring

· Closed-caption monitoring

· EAS equipment and procedures

· Broadcast transmission and monitoring systems

· Basic computer and IP-network troubleshooting

· File-based television programming and commercial workflows

Qualifications

Required

· Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise operating procedures.

· Comfortable working with computers and technical systems.

· Ability to identify problems quickly and respond calmly during live broadcast situations.

· Ability to read and accurately execute broadcast logs.

· Strong communication and documentation skills.

· Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

· Dependable attendance and punctuality.

· Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other shifts as required by a 24/7 television operation.

Preferred

· Previous television Master Control, broadcast operations, production, engineering, or related technical experience.

· Experience with television automation or playout systems.

· Familiarity with broadcast traffic systems and commercial logs.

· Basic understanding of digital video, audio, networking, and broadcast signal flow.

· Experience working in a local television station environment.

Critical Skills

Successful Master Control Operators must be able to:

· Recognize when something is wrong on-air.

· Determine whether the problem involves programming, automation, audio, video, network feeds, or transmission.

· Take the appropriate immediate corrective action.

· Know when a problem requires Engineering assistance.

· Document exactly what occurred so the issue can be corrected and, when necessary, reconciled with Traffic or Programming.

Work Environment

This position operates in a television broadcast facility and requires extended periods working at computer workstations and monitoring multiple television and technical displays.

Because television broadcasting operates continuously, Master Control employees may be scheduled for days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Position Objective

The primary objective of the Television Master Control Operator is simple:

Keep the station on the air, ensure the correct material airs at the correct time, recognize problems quickly, and take appropriate action when something goes wrong.