Media Operator I

Disney Entertainment; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney Entertainment in Bristol, CT is seeking a Media Operator 1 to organize and distribute server content for recording and playback, while ensuring high quality video and audio for ESPN productions.

You will work in a fast‑paced environment, supporting live and pre‑recorded content across ESPN linear and digital platforms, with opportunities to train others and learn advanced workflows.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year practical television production experience at a large market or network level.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Flexibility to alter shifts and overtime to meet project needs.
• Ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines and across multiple projects.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational and planning abilities.
• Proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel and related software.

Responsibilities

• Record, playback, and organize media content for live and pre‑recorded programming.
• Ensure quality control of video and audio signals to ESPN standards.
• Operate broadcast equipment and server‑based recording/playback devices.
• Collaborate with production control and external vendors across ESPN platforms.
• Document workflows and assist in training and procedural updates.

Skills

TV production

Shift flexibility

Multitasking

Teamwork

Communication

Organization

MS Office

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field

Vocational School Certification

Tools

Quantel

EVS

Job description

Job Requirements

On any given day at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we’re reimagining ways to create magical viewing experiences for the world’s most beloved stories while also transforming Disney’s media business for the future. Whether that’s evolving our streaming and digital products in new and immersive ways, powering worldwide advertising and distribution to maximize flexibility and efficiency, or delivering Disney’s unmatched entertainment and sports content, every day is a moment to make a difference to partners and to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

A few reasons why we think you’d love working for Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

• Building the future of Disney’s media business: DE&E Technologists are designing and building the infrastructure that will power Disney’s media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

• Reach & Scale: The products and platforms this group builds and operates delight millions of consumers every minute of every day – from Disney+ and Hulu, to ABC News and Entertainment, to ESPN and ESPN+, and much more.

• Innovation: We develop and execute groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and enhance how audiences experience sports, entertainment & news.

Content Operations is ultimately responsible for successfully delivering Disney’s entertainment and sports content to millions of people every day. This involves developing, operating, and managing a global content supply chain – the myriad of steps involved from taking a finalized TV show/movie, or live piece of content, from inside Disney to audiences around the globe, in their preferred language and format. This team also manages technology operations in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Media Operations team is responsible for the planning, sourcing, processing, and archiving of various types of media formats and content, including the distribution of on‑air programming. This position can be assigned to and will work within several different operational areas in this team.

Job Summary:

• Organize and distribute all server content used for recording and playback.

• Validate proper video and audio quality during live and recorded programming, set up records of incoming feeds, and deliver content for production and programming.

• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology as assigned, including but not limited to, standard and high‑definition operations, content management, encoding systems, server‑based recordings/playback devices, server networking, tape deck and content duplication operations, broadcast routers, intercoms, planning of network content and media movement, EVS operations, and more.

• Operate in a fast‑paced, high pressure and deadline driven environment.

• Understand complex information and disseminate it to proper personnel in a clear and concise manner.

• Measure audio and video signals to ensure quality control of ESPN endorsed standards on all operations using comprehensive knowledge of broadcast methods.

• Seek information regarding the workflow of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Network Operations.

• Troubleshoot and effectively document any necessary follow‑up and/or resolution.

• Participate in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self‑career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.

• May participate in training others in operational areas and generate training documentation.

• Understand Closed Captioning systems and associated workflows.

• Collaborate with Technology teams to enhance existing applications.

• Provide strategic thinking for day‑to‑day operations.

• Learn and gain advanced skills in different operational areas to best facilitate the coordination of assignments.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

A Media Operator 1 works with many business partners and customers within and outside of ESPN, including Production Control room personnel, remote production teams, and outside vendors. Work will be performed in a fast‑paced environment and often under tight deadlines with a wide variety of content requirements. A Media Operator 1 will demonstrate proficient skills in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, processing media files for live and pre‑recorded content across all ESPN linear and digital platforms. This position will be responsible for recording, playback, quality assurance, transcoding, cataloguing, and archiving of various media formats and server‑based material while ensuring all content meets ESPN’s standards for video and audio quality.

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 1 year practical television production experience at the large market or network level.

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental objectives.

• Must demonstrate ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and perform on simultaneous projects.

• Ability to work as a part of a dynamic team.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are a necessity.

• Excellent organizational, efficiency, and planning skills are required.

• Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment.

• Candidates must have a good computer background (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc…) and strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on background in a live production environment, internship, or similar educational experience.

• Familiarity with server‑based recording/playback systems such as Quantel.

• Understanding of format conversions, EVS, transcoding systems and file formats.

• Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish

Required Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field

• Vocational School Certification

• Related Experience

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $54,800.00 to $73,400.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

This position is with Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology.

To learn more about Disney’s guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here. (https://join.disneycareers.com/global/en/ai-usage)

Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us/sections/32131060143380-Candidate-Disability-Accommodations-FAQs) . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help. (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us)

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.