Master Control Operator

Forum-Communications; Fargo (ND); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision

Maternity and parental leave

Company-paid disability + life

Retirement with company match

PTO and volunteer hours

Job summary

Forum Communications Company in Fargo, ND is seeking a part-time Master Control Operator to monitor and record television broadcasts, ensuring signal quality and regulatory compliance. The role requires setting up and operating broadcast equipment, handling live and recorded content, and maintaining accurate program logs.

The position is hourly, with compensation of $15.00 per hour. We offer benefits to eligible employees and a supportive team in a leading regional media organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; training preferred.
• One year of experience in television is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of related hardware and software.

Responsibilities

• Operate on-air playback system and broadcast equipment.
• Set up satellite dishes and receivers for programming.
• Record programming and insert timing information for air.
• Switch live content on-air and manage crawls.
• Monitor signals to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Record programs for later use and prepare for playback.
• Schedule and air programs according to the program log.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and ensure FCC compliance.

Skills

Strong communication

Follow instructions

Verbal communication

Written communication

Hardware knowledge

Software knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Broadcast hardware

Job description

Description

WDAY, the #1 station located in the Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN metro area, broadcasts across the entire state of North Dakota, Western Minnesota, and Eastern South Dakota. WDAY is an award-winning station, taking home multiple Emmy awards as well as regional and national Edward R. Murrow awards. Producing over 40 hours of local news, weather, and sports content each week—and serving as the proud home of North Dakota State University Athletics—WDAY is the most watched news station in the region.

We are currently seeking a part-time Master Control Operator to join our team in Fargo, ND.

Job Summary

As a Master Control Operator, you will monitor and record television broadcasts to ensure signal quality, proper timing of programming, and compliance with FCC and government regulations.

Expected Compensation:

$15.00 per hour

Essential Functions

• Operate state-of-the-art broadcast equipment, including automated on-air playback system, satellite-receiving equipment, and server-based media storage systems.
• Set up satellite dishes and receivers for reception of programming.
• Record programming and inserting timing information to make it ready for air.
• Switch live content on-air, including live programming, local cut ins, or crawls.
• Monitor on-air and cable broadcast signals, as well as satellite feeds to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Record programs from satellite feeds for later use, and prepare programming for future playback.
• Set up, schedule, and air programs and program breaks according to the program log.
• Operate and adjust video, lighting, audio, and broadcast equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions.
• Ensure that transmissions meet government regulations.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Technical skills training preferred.
• One year of experience in television is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of related hardware and software.

Environment and Cognitive/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of time sitting and working on a computer in an office environment.
• Standing and walking on an occasional basis.
• Ability to talk and hear over the phone, in person or via online meeting platforms.
• Repeating motions that may require wrist, hands and fingers. Reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 50 lbs.

About the Company

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.