Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage, monitor and assess traffic flows of incoming and outgoing television or radio transmission signals using master or network control equipment.
It applies to individuals in large-scale or network broadcasting facilities who manage complex operational activities incorporating a high level of responsibility, including management of a broadcast operations team. They apply well-developed communication, technical and problem-solving skills to ensure program sources and signals are of a high quality and workarounds are found to minimise disruptions to transmissions.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan master or network control operations | 1.1 Analyse production and transmission schedules to determine master or network control requirements 1.2 Anticipate and resolve potential problems in collaboration with broadcast operations team members and production personnel 1.3 Check equipment, signal pathways and access to input and output feeds meet transmission and production requirements 1.4 Keep up-to-date with technological changes affecting master control operations and incorporate into planning where appropriate |
2. Schedule feeds and equipment requests | 2.1 Organise line connections and switching appropriate to delivery method being used for incoming and outgoing feeds 2.2 Check equipment is operational and connected according to transmission and production requirements 2.3 Measure signal parameters before and after conversion and adjust, if necessary, so that converted product meets required standards 2.4 Complete workplace documentation in accordance with enterprise procedures |
3. Monitor incoming and outgoing feeds | 3.1 Supervise the process of switching feeds into and out of master control during transmissions or recording of productions 3.2 Check quality of feeds meets enterprise and broadcast standards 3.3 Use test equipment to verify signals are free of distortion and within specifications 3.4 Adjust systems to rectify signal problems as required 3.5 Diagnose and resolve equipment and transmission faults efficiently 3.6 Communicate with feed providers to maintain required broadcast quality and facilitate efficient switching of up-links and down-links |
4. Provide general technical and operational support | 4.1 Assess transmission levels and advise relevant operational personnel of problems with quality of feeds 4.2 Supervise the process of recording or ingesting incoming signals in required broadcast format and delivery of recorded material to transmission and production destinations 4.3 Organise alternate fail-safe and back-up signal paths in event of breakdowns or failures of designated prime sources 4.4 Check information about workplace safety and security procedures is readily available to broadcast operations team members 4.5 Keep team members informed of issues affecting their role and invite their input to and feedback on operations |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use production and transmission schedules as the basis for planning technical and logistical aspects of master control operations for broadcasting scheduled programs
check line connections and equipment are ready for incoming and outgoing feeds
direct time switching of incoming and outgoing feeds according to transmission requirements
check quality of incoming and outgoing feeds
work collaboratively as a team leader to meet production transmission requirements
troubleshoot and resolve transmission and equipment problems.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain key roles and responsibilities of personnel in broadcast operations
outline implications of different broadcast formats for master control operations
describe typical broadcast systems and transmission facilities for radio or television
outline key features of delivery methods for radio or television
identify sources of information about technological developments relating to master control operations
identify typical problems that arise in the context of complex master control operations, and briefly describe solutions
explain the process for assessing whether the quality of feeds meets broadcast standards.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
master control equipment
production and transmission schedules
interaction with others.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3, 3.2 | Analyses and evaluates textual information and technical specifications to determine accuracy of information and production requirements |
Writing | 2.4 | Completes workplace documentation according to requirements |
Oral Communication | 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning Uses clear language to contribute information and express requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 2.4, 3.2 | Follows enterprise and production requirements Keeps abreast of relevant technological changes affecting job role |
Interact with others | 3.1, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5 | Uses appropriate communication practices and protocols to liaise and collaborate with a range of people Uses effective interpersonal skills to supervise others |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.3-3.6, 4.1-4.4 | Schedules, plans and monitors complex transmission activities Resolves creative and technical problems and issues in a timely and collaborative manner Diagnoses and rectifies equipment faults and technical quality issues to ensure production requirements are met |
Sectors
Media and Entertainment Production – Broadcasting