What are the responsibilities and job description for the Broadcast Engineer position at WCSC-TV Live 5 News?
Company Description WCSC‑TV Live 5 News is a pioneering broadcast station in Charleston and South Carolina, known for being the first television station in the region and for its long history of innovation in local news coverage. The station has led the way with key technological advancements, including the first full-color broadcasts in the state, the adoption of videotape, and early use of satellite technology for international reporting. Over the years, WCSC‑TV has expanded its reach with powerful transmission towers, enabling its signal to cover nearly half of South Carolina. The station’s commitment to journalistic excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Peabody and Polk Awards. Today, Live 5 News continues to invest in cutting-edge tools, including the Lowcountry’s only live, local radar, Live Super Doppler 5000, to serve its viewers with reliable, timely information.
Role Description The Broadcast Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in Charleston County, SC, responsible for maintaining and supporting all technical systems that keep WCSC‑TV Live 5 News on the air. This role performs daily monitoring, maintenance, and repair of studio, control room, transmission, and news gathering equipment, including cameras, routing systems, audio gear, servers, and automation systems. The Broadcast Engineer collaborates with newsroom, production, and master control staff to diagnose and resolve technical issues quickly, ensuring reliable newscasts and live broadcasts. Responsibilities include performing systems upgrades, installing and configuring new hardware and software, documenting infrastructure changes, and assisting with disaster recovery and redundancy planning. The individual also participates in on-call rotations, supports remote and field productions, and helps implement best practices for broadcast quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Qualifications
- Candidates should possess strong Broadcast Engineering and Broadcasting skills, with experience in designing, maintaining, and supporting television broadcast systems.
- Candidates should possess Broadcast Television knowledge, including studio operations, master control workflows, and signal transmission chains.
- Candidates should possess Troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and signal path issues under time-sensitive conditions.
- Candidates should possess Technical Support capabilities, including clear communication with non-technical staff and effective documentation of technical procedures.
- Relevant qualifications include familiarity with RF systems, IP-based broadcast technology, and industry standards (FCC regulations, ATSC, SMPTE).
- Preferred background includes an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, broadcast technology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience in a television station or media environment.
- Beneficial skills include basic networking knowledge, understanding of IT and computer systems used in modern broadcast environments, and experience with automation, editing, and media asset management systems.