What is a Broadcast technician?

How a Broadcast Technician makes a difference

Broadcast Technicians help TV, radio, and online shows get from the studio to your screens and speakers. They make sure things like cameras, microphones and other equipment are working to capture, record and transmit high quality sound and picture.

Without them, live sport, news, podcasts and music wouldn’t work properly. They set things up, check equipment and keep things running during broadcasts. They need to be able to spot and fix problems fast. Their work helps people stay informed, entertained and connected every day.

The type of work a Broadcast Technician will do

Set up equipment like cameras and microphones
Test sound and picture quality
Run equipment during live broadcasts
Monitor signals and spot faults
Fix problems quickly when things go wrong
Work with presenters and producers

Useful skills

Logical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Broadcast Technician role

You have an interest in TV, radio or online video and enjoy how shows are made.

You like solving problems and figuring out why things are not working.

You can stay calm when something goes wrong, even during high-pressure live events.

You enjoy working as part of a team and helping others do their job well.

What you can bring to the Broadcast Technician role

You pay close attention to details, such as sound levels and picture quality.

You are happy to learn new technology as equipment and systems change.

You have basic IT skills and are confident using computers.

What you can bring to the Broadcast Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- making videos or podcasts

- using audio and music technology

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Average salary per month *

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Broadcast Technician

With experience, you could become a senior broadcast technician or a technical supervisor. Some people move into sound, lighting or camera roles. Others go into engineering, systems design or training apprentices. You could also work on bigger live events or specialise in TV, radio or online streaming.

How to become a Broadcast Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Media, broadcast and production
An apprenticeship as a Broadcast and media systems technical operator

More options available after that:

An apprenticeship as a Broadcast and media systems technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Every day can be different. One day you might be in a TV studio and the next at a live event. You get to work behind the scenes on shows people love. Live broadcasts can be exciting because you have to think fast and fix problems quickly. New technology is always coming in, so there is always something new to learn. You also get to work with lots of creative people.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Broadcast and Media Systems Technician
Broadcast Engineer
Media Technician
Studio Technician
Outside Broadcast Technician

What are your next steps?

Discover our expert advice on the different pathways available and how to get into your dream role.

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