Network Operations Assistant - TV
Network Operations Assistants co-ordinate the movements of programme materials in and out of satellite and cable broadcasting organisations. They are involved in all the genres of programming within the remit of each broadcaster. Their role is largely administrative, and also involves quality control and troubleshooting.
Network Operations Assistants are responsible for ensuring that all relevant materials are available, in a suitable format, of transmittable quality, and on deadline for transmission. This is a desk-based role, which can be extremely pressurised when working to tight deadlines. Network Operations Assistants are usually full time employees of satellite and cable broadcasters.
What is the job?
Network Operations Assistants work with materials for a number of programmes simultaneously, and must keep accurate and up-to-date records for each project. They are responsible for acquiring materials from production companies, checking for problems, taking any required remedial actions, and making materials available for transmission deadlines. They must keep detailed records of all materials received and their condition and format; if there are problems with the materials, they chase the Production companies or other suppliers for replacements. Once suitable materials have been acquired, Network Operations Assistants send them to Re-Versioning Producers who decide which programme segments are to be transmitted, and prepare detailed edit notes. They are then booked into the system for editing, and dispatched with the relevant edit notes.
Network Operations Assistants ensure that editing is completed within agreed deadlines. For materials for transmission in other languages, copies of tapes and scripts are sent to Language Facilities Houses. Files containing subtitles may be returned by e-mail for incorporation into programmes; dubbed audio materials are returned to the broadcaster, and laid back onto transmission masters, or in tape-less environments ingested into the facility, prior to transmission. Throughout these processes Network Operations Assistants must troubleshoot any problems concerning materials, scripts, transit, etc. Once final materials are received, Network Operations Assistants input all programme details, including durations and timings of breaks, into the broadcasting database.
Although this is essentially a co-ordination role, there is intense pressure to ensure that all materials are dispatched securely and in suitable condition, with sufficient clear and accurate information or instructions, and that deadlines are met. They may be required to work on their own initiative for much of the time, although they usually liaise closely with Network Operations Co-ordinators.
Typical career routes
Network Operations Assistant is an entry-level role. Network Operations Assistants may progress to become Network Operations Co-ordinators, Network Operations Supervisors, and eventually Network Operations Managers.
Essential knowledge and skills
Network Operations Assistants must have a basic understanding of media and transmission formats, and should be aware of the requirements of a variety of facilities, equipment and media.
Key Skills include:
- a high level of organisational skills;
- a keen eye for detail;
- ability to multitask;
- effective team working skills;
- excellent communication skills;
- excellent IT skills;
- an understanding of satellite broadcast formats and technology;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although no formal qualifications are required for this role, general degree standard or HE qualifications may be useful. Knowledge of, and training in, media production, post production or technical operations would be beneficial, although not essential.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- - BECTU, the trade union represents broadcasting personnel; http://www.bectu.org.uk/
- - BKSTS (the moving image society) organises events, courses, and demonstrations of new equipment, and publishes Image Technology; http://www.bksts.com/
Publications
- - Broadcast, the weekly newspaper for the UK broadcasting industries; http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/
- - Televisual, the business magazine for the broadcast and production industry; http://www.televisual.com/
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Network Operations Assistant - TV
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