Media Operator I

On any given day at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we’re reimagining ways to create magical viewing experiences for the world’s most beloved stories while also transforming Disney’s media business for the future. Whether that’s evolving our streaming and digital products in new and immersive ways, powering worldwide advertising and distribution to maximize flexibility and efficiency, or delivering Disney’s unmatched entertainment and sports content, every day is a moment to make a difference to partners and to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

A few reasons why we think you’d love working for Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

• Building the future of Disney’s media business: DE&E Technologists are designing and building the infrastructure that will power Disney’s media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.
• Reach & Scale: The products and platforms this group builds and operates delight millions of consumers every minute of every day – from Disney and Hulu, to ABC News and Entertainment, to ESPN and ESPN , and much more.
• Innovation: We develop and execute groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and enhance how audiences experience sports, entertainment & news.
  
  

Content Operations is ultimately responsible for successfully delivering Disney’s entertainment and sports content to millions of people every day. This involves developing, operating, and managing a global content supply chain – the myriad of steps involved from taking a finalized TV show/movie, or live piece of content, from inside Disney to audiences around the globe, in their preferred language and format. This team also manages technology operations in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Media Operations team is responsible for the planning, sourcing, processing, and archiving of various types of media formats and content, including the distribution of on-air programming. This position can be assigned to and will work within several different operational areas in this team.

Job Summary

• Organize and distribute all server content used for recording and playback.
• Validate proper video and audio quality during live and recorded programming, set up records of incoming feeds, and deliver content for production and programming.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology as assigned, including but not limited to, standard and high-definition operations, content management, encoding systems, server-based recordings/playback devices, server networking, tape deck and content duplication operations, broadcast routers, intercoms, planning of network content and media movement, EVS operations, and more.
• Operate in a fast-paced, high pressure and deadline driven environment.
• Understand complex information and disseminate it to proper personnel in a clear and concise manner.
• Measure audio and video signals to ensure quality control of ESPN endorsed standards on all operations using comprehensive knowledge of broadcast methods.
• Seek information regarding the workflow of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Network Operations.
• Troubleshoot and effectively document any necessary follow-up and/or resolution.
• Participate in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
• May participate in training others in operational areas and generate training documentation.
• Understand Closed Captioning systems and associated workflows.
• Collaborate with Technology teams to enhance existing applications.
• Provide strategic thinking for day-to-day operations.
• Learn and gain advanced skills in different operational areas to best facilitate the coordination of assignments.
  
  

Responsibilities

A Media Operator I works with many business partners and customers within and outside of ESPN, including Production Control room personnel, remote production teams, and outside vendors. Work will be performed in a fast-paced environment and often under tight deadlines with a wide variety of content requirements. A Media Operator 1 will demonstrate proficient skills in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, processing media files for live and pre-recorded content across all ESPN linear and digital platforms. This position will be responsible for recording, playback, quality assurance, transcoding, cataloguing, and archiving of various media formats and server-based material while ensuring all content meets ESPN’s standards for video and audio quality.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 1 year practical television production experience at the large market or network level.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental objectives.
• Must demonstrate ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and perform on simultaneous projects.
• Ability to work as a part of a dynamic team.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are a necessity.
• Excellent organizational, efficiency, and planning skills are required.
• Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
• Candidates must have a good computer background (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc...) and strong communication skills.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on background in a live production environment, internship, or similar educational experience.
• Familiarity with server-based recording/playback systems such as Quantel.
• Understanding of format conversions, EVS, transcoding systems and file formats.
• Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field
• Vocational School Certification
• Related Experience
  
  

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $54,000 - $72,300 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.