Sound Operator - Broadcasting

Also known as:

Sound Operator
Radio Sound Operator
Recording Sound Operator
Sound Technician
Sound Engineer

Introduction

Sound operators capture the best sound for film, television and radio broadcasts. They operate a wide variety of sound equipment.

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Work Activities

Sound operators work in film, television or radio broadcasting. They work in studio, on film sets, in post-production units, or on location with outside broadcast units.

In television studios, sound operators work on the studio floor. Their job is to capture the right sound for any programme. They make sure that the studio sound system is working properly.

They set up, position and operate sound booms, microphones and loudspeakers. They fix personal microphones to people who appear in the programmes, and operate mobile microphones to pick up sound without viewers noticing what is happening. They are also responsible for maintaining equipment. They use headphones to monitor the sound throughout the recording.

Broadcasting sound operators often do this kind of work at the beginning of their careers and are called sound assistants. However, responsibilities will vary depending on the scale of the programme or production.

In radio, sound operators work in a studio, operating mixing desks, recording equipment and CD players.

On location and outdoor film sets, sound operators rig up and dismantle equipment and, when covering outdoor events like football matches, political rallies and cultural events, they check the quality of the link back to the studio. They will use computers and digital equipment for many of these checks. Sound operators may need to stay away from home for location work and outside broadcasts. They may have to work in bad weather.

In post-production, broadcast sound operators use a range of technical equipment to mix sound, which they have recorded on set, with background effects and music, to create special sound effects, and to add narration. They may also remove unwanted background noise from outdoor recordings.

Mixing and editing work is usually handled by more experienced sound operators.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

If you want to be a sound operator, you must have a strong interest in producing or recording sound at high quality. You must have an understanding of basic physics and sound equipment.

Sound operators work long hours and have to stick to deadlines; you will need stamina and the ability to work, stay calm and respond well under pressure. You must enjoy solving problems and being part of a team.

You must be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail.

You must be numerate and literate, for example, to take sound measurements and follow written instructions. Punctuality is always important; the rest of the broadcasting team will rely on you being there at the right time.

You must be aware of health and safety requirements. You will need to be reasonably fit as you will spend a lot of time on your feet and carrying equipment which may be heavy.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for sound operators in broadcasting vary, depending on which part of the industry they work in, whether they are employed or self-employed, and their role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Broadcasting sound operators earn in the range of £16,500 - £20,500 a year, rising to £24,000 - £27,500 a year. Higher earners can make around £30,000 a year.

Sound operators often work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Many broadcasting sound operators are self-employed, freelance operators. They work for the BBC, independent television and film companies, commercial radio stations, and satellite and cable television firms, often on short-term contracts.

Competition for posts is severe and opportunities for permanent positions limited, because employers tend to favour freelance sound operators.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

People may be able to enter after having gained sound operating skills and abilities in areas such as local radio and music recording, or in other jobs in the broadcasting industry.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 58% of people in occupations such as broadcasting sound operator are self-employed.
• 15% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.

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