Master Control Operator / Newscast Director

Hearst Communications, Inc.; Salinas (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical | Dental | Vision

401(k) matching

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Emotional Wellness Support

LGBTQ+ Health Services

Job summary

Hearst Communications, Inc. is seeking a Master Control Operator / Newscast Director for a hybrid role in a fast-paced television environment. The position focuses on master control operations and developing directing skills for live newscasts.

Responsibilities include monitoring streams, managing automation playlists, FCC compliance, and coordinating live programming. Training will be provided to qualified candidates for growth in production and directing.

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills with Windows-based apps and broadcast software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced live production environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to quickly identify and resolve technical issues under pressure.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Monitor multiple television program streams for accurate, high-quality on-air presentation.
• Coordinate live and recorded programming for broadcast.
• Execute, edit, and maintain automation playlists.
• Operate Florical automation and related broadcast systems.
• Acquire, ingest, and prepare programming, commercials, and promos for air.
• Monitor video, audio, captioning, and signal quality across channels.
• Maintain FCC compliance, EAS monitoring, and broadcast logs.
• Monitor transmitter status and document readings.
• Identify and report technical issues affecting on-air operations.
• Follow SOPs to ensure consistent broadcasts.
• Direct live and recorded newscasts using automated production systems.
• Collaborate with producers, technical staff, engineering, and newsroom personnel.
• Call and execute newscasts with precision while maintaining quality.
• Learn and operate automation and equipment through on-the-job training.
• Maintain composure during breaking news and live production.
• Operate and troubleshoot broadcast automation systems, video servers, routing systems, and related equipment.
• Work with Florical Automation, ENPS, Bitcentral, VIZ RT graphics, Harmonic video servers, and other technologies.
• Assist Engineering with troubleshooting and equipment monitoring.
• Maintain understanding of broadcast workflows and automation-driven production environments.
• Occasionally assist with studio operations and robotic camera operations during live broadcasts.
• Assist with general production support and maintain organized control room and studio.

Skills

Strong computer skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Communication

Issue resolution under pressure

Flexibility with schedule

Dependable attendance

Tools

Windows-based applications

Broadcast software

Job description

KSBW 8 (NBC) / Central Coast ABC / Estrella TV Costa Central, part of Hearst Television, has an opening for a Master Control Operator / Newscast Director. This hybrid position is ideal for a technically minded broadcast professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced, live television environment.

The primary focus of this role is Master Control Operations, while also developing the skills necessary to direct live newscasts. Training will be provided to qualified candidates interested in expanding their production and directing skills.

The successful candidate will monitor multiple broadcast channels, execute automation playlists, maintain FCC compliance, troubleshoot technical issues, and support the technical execution of live newscasts. This position reports jointly to the Operations Manager and Engineering Director and requires schedule flexibility, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Master Control Operations

• Monitor multiple television program streams to ensure accurate, high-quality on-air presentation.

• Coordinate live and recorded programming for broadcast.

• Execute, edit, and maintain automation playlists.

• Operate Florical automation and related broadcast systems.

• Acquire, ingest, and prepare programming, commercials, and promotional content for air.

• Monitor video, audio, captioning, and signal quality across multiple channels.

• Maintain FCC compliance, EAS monitoring, and required broadcast logs.

• Monitor transmitter status and document operational readings.

• Identify, troubleshoot, and report technical issues affecting on-air operations.

• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistent and reliable broadcasts.

Live Newscast Directing

• Direct live and recorded newscasts using automated production systems.

• Collaborate closely with producers, technical staff, engineering, and newsroom personnel to execute clean, accurate broadcasts.

• Call and execute newscasts with precision while maintaining production quality.

• Learn and operate automation and associated production equipment through on-the-job training.

• Maintain composure and make sound decisions during breaking news and live production situations.

Broadcast Automation & Technical Operations

• Operate and troubleshoot broadcast automation systems, video servers, routing systems, and related production equipment.

• Work with systems including Florical Automation, ENPS, Bitcentral, VIZ RT graphics, Harmonic video servers, and other broadcast technologies.

• Assist Engineering with operational troubleshooting and equipment monitoring when necessary.

• Maintain a strong understanding of broadcast workflows and automation-driven production environments.

Studio Operations

• Occasionally assist with studio operations as scheduling requires.

• Support robotic camera operations, studio setup, and production equipment during live broadcasts.

• Assist with general production support and maintain a clean, organized control room and studio environment.

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills, including Windows-based applications and broadcast software.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced live production environment.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to quickly identify and resolve technical issues under pressure.

• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

• Dependable attendance and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in television Master Control operations or live television production.

• Experience with broadcast automation systems.

• Familiarity with Florical Automation, ENPS, Bitcentral, VIZ RT, Imagine Nexio video servers, and related broadcast systems.

• Understanding of FCC regulations, EAS procedures, and broadcast compliance.

• Knowledge of production switchers, routing systems, video servers, and television transmission systems.

• Military broadcast or related technical experience is welcomed and encouraged.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to climb ladders up to 15 feet when required.

• Ability to sit, stand, and work extended periods in a live broadcast environment.

• Ability to respond quickly during live broadcasts and emergency situations.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision

• 401(k) matching

• Emotional Wellness Support

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave

• LGBTQ+ Health Services

• Additional benefits to meet you and your family's needs

The estimated base salary range for this role is between $42,000and $49,000.The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.