Master Control Operator

About the role

WPTZ-TV/NBC5 is seeking a self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented person to join our Master Control team. Master Control Operators help deliver programming to our viewers. You will coordinate live and recorded content, operate broadcast automation systems, monitor multiple channels, and help ensure programs, commercials, and other content air correctly and on time.

In this role, you will prepare content, build and update playlists, monitor video and audio quality, follow FCC and Emergency Alert System (EAS) procedures, and document programming and transmission events. You'll work with Master Control and Engineering colleagues to identify and communicate issues and keep our broadcasts running smoothly. Training will be provided for qualified candidates.

WPTZ/NBC5 serves the Burlington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York market and is a leading source for local headlines and live alerts. You'll join an award-winning team in Northern New England and become part of Hearst Television, one of the country's premier broadcast companies.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate live and recorded programming across three broadcast channels.
• Operate broadcast automation systems to air scheduled programs, commercials, network content and local programming.
• Build, edit and update daily playlists, checking that content and timing are correct.
• Ingest, verify, and prepare commercials, programs, and other content received from distributors and content delivery systems.
• Monitor multiple channels for video, audio, captioning, and signal quality, and respond to issues.
• Follow FCC monitoring requirements and station procedures for EAS tests and alerts.
• Monitor transmitter status, take remote readings, and report unusual conditions.
• Keep accurate program, transmitter, and discrepancy logs.
• Identify and report equipment problems, missing or incorrect content, timing issues, and transmission discrepancies to Master Control and Engineering staff.
• Use on-air graphics systems for branding and messaging as needed.
• Follow station procedures and communicate clearly during live programming, technical issues, and shift handoffs.

Requirements

• Strong computer skills, including experience with email, software, and web applications. One or more years of experience is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and multitasking skills.
• Experience with Master Control operations or television station workflows is preferred. Training will be provided for qualified candidates.
• Familiarity with broadcast automation, video or audio monitoring, content ingest, or on-air graphics systems is a plus.
• Ability to learn to operate electronic equipment used in broadcast and production.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel and Word, is a plus.
• Education or experience in technology or broadcast operations, SBE training, or related military service will be considered.

Salary

The estimated base salary range for this role is 43,000 to 46,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television, we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse, partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional wellness support
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• LGBTQ+ health services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs