Freelance Master Control Operator - Spectrum News 1

Charter Communications; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 27,552 - 42,705; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum News in Albany is seeking a Master Control Operator to oversee audio mixing, video editing, captions, and the overall quality of our broadcasts. You will collaborate with the production team to deliver accurate, engaging content across TV and digital platforms, while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 0-2 years television news experience, a high school diploma, and strong technical aptitude with broadcast equipment, non-linear edit systems, and

Qualifications

• Experience in television news, 0-2 years.
• High School diploma.
• Advanced knowledge of broadcast equipment and technology, including HD operations, non-linear edit systems, VTRs, server-based recording/playback devices, server networking, broadcast routers, and intercom panels.
• Strong technical aptitude with newsroom/editorial software and control room technology, including automated on-air playout systems and microwave/satellite links.
• Ability to organize and manage shifting priorities under tight deadlines and in pressure, ability to multitask and adapt quickly, ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Schedule flexibility to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and changes due to breaking news or severe weather emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Quality control for all technical aspects of news and sports programming.
• Responsible for audio mixing, video editing, captions, video quality, and spelling.
• Collaborate with the production team to produce accurate, engaging broadcasts and adapt to fast-paced newsroom demands.

Skills

Audio mixing

Video editing

Graphic design

Closed captions

Quality control

Multitasking

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline

Tools

Broadcast equipment

Non-linear edit systems

VTRs

Server-based recording

Server networking

Intercom panels

Broadcast routers

Job description

This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Do you love working with others to create something impactful? Are you a detail-oriented self-starter who loves a good challenge? Apply to be a Master Control Operator at Spectrum News.

Part of Charter Communications, Spectrum News is made up of over 30 hyper‑local news and regional sports networks dedicated to producing original, unbiased, and high-quality content. We use innovative journalistic approaches, backed by comprehensive research, to engage and inform viewers on the most essential news, issues, and events taking place in their communities.

Beyond TV news distribution, our newsrooms publish via the Spectrum News app and connected television. We're committed to providing viewers with 24‑hour news—no matter how, when, and where they want it.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Master Control Operator, you will be the quality control for all technical aspects of our news and sports programming. You will be responsible for audio mixing, video editing, graphic design, closed captions, video quality, spelling, and more. As a member of the production team, you will collaborate with your colleagues to produce accurate, engaging, informative, and entertaining broadcasts. You will work in a fast‑paced environment that requires you to multitask and keep an eye out for any issues that might arise.

What Our Master Control Operators Enjoy Most

• Handling multiple projects at once
• Working with the production team to keep your local community informed
• Quality assessing all content before it airs for accuracy and relevance

As part of Spectrum News, you’re creative, highly technical, and ready to bring your community's stories to life in our newsroom. You value accuracy and want to leverage your curiosity and storytelling abilities to share inspiring news across multiple platforms. Each day is fast‑paced in a constantly evolving work environment with new stories to tell and perspectives to uncover. If you’re a nimble, passionate team player, you’ll find a home on our team.

Requirements

• Experience: Experience working in television news, 0-2 years
• Education: High School diploma
• Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of a variety of broadcast equipment and technology, including standard and high‑definition operations, non‑linear edit systems, VTRs, server‑based recording/playback devices, server networking, broadcast routers, and intercom panels.
• Skills: Strong technical aptitude and experience with television control room and studio production technology, such as automated on‑air playout systems, newsroom editorial software, non‑linear editing systems, microwave/satellite systems, bonded cellular systems, and router systems.
• Abilities: Ability to organize and manage shifting priorities under tight deadlines and in pressure situations, ability to multitask and adapt quickly to change, push/pull/maneuver equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Schedule: Ability to work various shifts, longer shifts, weekends, holidays, and be flexible with schedule changes due to breaking news or severe weather emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or related field, comparable television work experience preferred.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Communicate in person, by phone, and by email
• Ability to distinguish colors and discern sounds

Compensation

The base pay for this position generally is between $20.00 and $31.00 per hour. The actual compensation offered will consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

We comply with local wage minimums and, for certain positions, are eligible for additional incentive-based compensation such as bonuses.

Employee Experience

We offer a comprehensive pay and benefits package that rewards employees for their contributions to our success, supporting all aspects of their well‑being at every stage of life.

Legal

A qualified applicant's criminal history, if any, will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable laws, including local ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including job seekers with disabilities and veterans. Spectrum is committed to growing a workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve.