[SBE] defining broadcast engineer

[chscherer at everestkc.net]

Imbedded answers below


> chscherer at everestkc.net wrote:

> >  We use the term "broadcast engineer" to cover a wide range of 

> duties and  jobs. I don't think you can define a broadcast engineer (or a 

> > media  engineer) in simple, absolute terms. Each situation is different.  


From: Cowboy <curt at spam-o-matic.net>

> That's part of the problem !!

> Neither we ( generally ) nor management has a clue what is we do, or

> what it is we are *supposed* to do.


CS: The specifics are up to the individual and his employer.  When I accept contract work I know exactly what I am expected to do. I also make it clear what I do not consider to be a part of my responsibility.



> chscherer at everestkc.net wrote:

> >  Cowboy, why does the SBE need to define what a 

> >  broadcast or media engineer is?   


From: Cowboy <curt at spam-o-matic.net>

> That you even have to ask that question, tells me you're *not* 

> part of the solution !


CS: Then you missed the point of the question, which shows that there is a problem at the start.

I asked because I want to better understand what you seek. That way I can provide not only a better solution but a more accurate one. That's being part of the solution.


From: Cowboy <curt at spam-o-matic.net>

> Management relates to our position by whatever the whim of the 

> moment happens to be.

> 

> 1. A guy who hangs out at a transmitter site doing nothing, and is a money drain.

> ( and get this - he wants to AIR CONDITION the place ! If he was 

> doing something useful, like fixing sales printers he'd BE in air conditioning )

> 2. The guy who always wants to buy stuff that produces no return, and is a money drain.

> ( tower is only 30 years old, and it was painted when it was new, so it's fine )

> 3. The guy who constantly wants new "tubes" ( whatever they are ) and is a money drain.

> (( idiot got new tubes 4 years ago. they're on the 20 year 

> depreciation schedule )) 

> 4. The incompetent guy who needs a shower, and dresses poorly,

> but sets up remotes, and is a money drain.

> 5. The guy who fetches the mail, and is a money drain.

> 6. The guy who unplugs the toilets when he's not hiding in that 

> "engineering room" thingy, and is a money drain.

> 7. The guy who turns off revenue producing equipment when it's 

> most needed, and is a money drain.

>

> Never mind. Radio and TV stations have no use for a "broadcast 

> engineer." ( or "media" engineer, either )


CS: I agree that some managers look at engineering as simply an expense and not part of the overall revenue process. This is why it's important for engineers to be a part of the management team. Learn to speak management's language at least to some degree. Be a part of the budgeting process. Don't avoid the manager and speak technobabble when asked questions. Dress appropriately and professionally.

Here's a summary of these points:
http://radiomagonline.com/viewpoint/radio_little_respect/

When I was a station engineer I took the time to develop a relationship and earn the respect of my coworkers. I always felt that I had a good relationship with my managers. It wasn't always immediate, and I had to train some of them, but in time it I was happy.

You provided a possible management definion of a broadcast or media engineer. Reverse it and you have most of your defintion in terms of what the engineer is not.

Chriss