Radio Technician

Radio technicians are the behind-the-scenes technicians of radio broadcasting. They design, set up, operate and maintain equipment used for radio broadcasting. They repair radio equipment and transmitters and make sure that technical difficulties never arise. If your radio becomes muffled or dies, there is a radio technician working frantically to restore the sound over the airwaves.
Radio technicians mainly receive and transmit communications using a variety of tools. They are also responsible for repairing equipment using such devices as electronic testing equipment, hand tools, and power tools. These help to maintain communication systems in an operative condition.

Radio technicians are usually assigned to a specific show. For example, a call-in talk show, a morning drive (which is the most popular listening time), or the "drive home" show. It is their responsibility to make sure that the regular dedicated audience of listeners hears the broadcast. Technicians work closely with producers and personalities to make sure the radio program is running smoothly.

Many radio technicians work in the control room, next to the producer who directs the music and the information portion of the program. If you call a talk radio station, you might speak to the technician before you get on the air, so that they can screen your call. Since many programs are aired live, there is a high stress level involved in the job. Technicians must make sure that everything is perfectly in order before a production airs. For instance, they must make sure the sound is correct, and that everything is plugged in, in the studio. Since the radio medium is only an aural stimulant, listeners must be able to understand what the announcers are trying to say and technicians control the sound to that level. Unlike television or film, which have a visual component, radio technicians must be experts in the sound medium and be able to project clear and crisp voices.

In smaller stations, some radio technicians may also involved in the marketing and business aspects of broadcasting. They also must keep a tight budget and strict inventory list of all items or repairs completed. The producer must approve every purchase made by a technician from a new microphone, to lunch and travel budgets.