broadcast technicians install, test, repair, set up, and operate the electronic equipment used to record and transmit radio and tele-vision / tele-communications programs - they work with cameras, microphones, tape recorders, light and sound effects, transmitters, antennas, and other equipment - some broadcast technicians develop movie sound tracks in motion picture production studios

in the control room of a radio or television broadcasting studio, these technicians operate equipment that regulates the signal strength, clarity, and range of sounds and colors of recordings or broadcasts - they also operate control panels to select the source of the material - technicians may switch from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programs - by means of hand signals and, in television, telephone headsets, they give technical directions to other studio personnel

broadcast technicians in small stations perform a variety of duties - in large stations and at the networks, technicians are more specialized, although job assignments may change from day to day - the terms "operator," "engineer," and "technician" often are used interchangeably to describe these jobs - transmitter operators monitor and log outgoing signals and operate transmitters - maintenance technicians set up, adjust, service, and repair electronic broadcasting equipment - audio control engineers regulate sound pickup, transmission, and switching of television pictures while, video control engineers regulate their quality, brightness, and contrast - recording engineers operate and maintain video and sound recording equipment - they may operate equipment designed to produce special effects, such as the illusion of a bolt of lightning - field technicians set up and operate broadcasting portable field transmission equipment outside the studio