Sound is vital to the creative media industries and sound personnel work across all production areas. They ensure the highest quality sound in live events and outside broadcasts, capture the performance of artists on set and on location, set up links by satellite and land line, edit dialogue and music and create original sound effects to work with visual images.

Skillset's 2004 Census shows that approximately 1,800 people are employed within the Sound occupational group, and divided equally between permanent and freelance contracts, with a shift of 4% towards freelance work since the last Census in 2003.

Digital technology continues to bring changes to jobs in TV Sound, but despite some blurring of roles as a result of multi-skilling, most remain fairly traditional. Jobs generally fall into two areas: production sound and post-production sound. Although some people work in both areas, most specialise. In both areas, they have to interpret production requirements, understand and use a range of equipment, and be able to carry out basic repairs. They may work in studios or on location, indoors or outdoors. The hours are often long and irregular and may involve extended periods away from home.

There are no specific qualifications for working in TV Sound, but a genuine interest in sound and an understanding of its physical properties is essential. There are many sound-related courses available around the UK, but these should only be viewed as a starting point, with the best entry route being on-the-job training and shadowing of experienced personnel.

All TV Sound occupations require the following skills:

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