CAMERA OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Camera Operator handles what every broadcast depends on: the image. In live news and studio production, a single misjudged exposure or misconfigured robotic shot reaches audiences before anyone can correct it. This role owns camera configuration, shading, lighting board programming, and field acquisition across both studio and remote assignments - responsibilities that distinguish it from the Audio Engineer's domain or the Broadcast Director's seat. Deadlines set by the national news desk govern the pace.

As the Camera Operator, you will deliver broadcast-quality footage across live and taped productions, maintaining camera blocking standards and signal integrity for both studio sets and field assignments. The role supports the Production Supervisor and collaborates daily with directors, reporters, and the national news desk across a 24/7 production cycle.

Career Impact: Operating across live multi-camera studio environments and SNG field deployments builds a technical portfolio that commands respect at the network level.

Business Impact: The camera operator's shading and composition decisions are baked into every broadcast frame that reaches viewers, there is no post-production buffer in live news.

Growth Opportunity: Mastering robotic camera systems alongside manual operation positions you for lead technical roles as broadcast facilities expand IP-based and remote production workflows.

• Configure and shade studio cameras, including robotic systems, for live and taped productions.
• Operate manual and robotic cameras to meet director-defined blocking and composition standards.
• Manage studio lighting, including board programming for all set locations.
• Acquire field footage and deliver live links via bonded cellular and SNG systems to meet news desk deadlines.
• Monitor and adjust video signals using waveform monitors to maintain broadcast-standard picture quality.
• Transport, set up, and maintain cameras, lighting, and audio equipment for studio and on-location shoots.
• Perform routine maintenance, equipment checks, and configuration documentation for production systems.
• Coordinate directly with reporters, directors, and the national desk to fulfill daily assignment requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in film production, broadcasting, or communications, or equivalent work experience.
• 4 or more years of experience in live multi-camera broadcast production, with demonstrated studio and field camera operation.
• Solid technical knowledge of camera shading, color correction, and signal flow in a broadcast environment.
• Proficiency in studio lighting setup and control board programming for multi-camera sets.
• Working knowledge of live field transmission methods, including bonded cellular and satellite news gathering systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot video and lighting equipment under deadline pressure in a 24/7 news environment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record for field deployment.
• Strong time management and communication skills for coordination with on-air talent and production leadership.

• Experience configuring and operating robotic camera systems, including shot storage and recall workflows.
• Familiarity with IP-based lighting control systems used in network broadcast facilities.
• Basic audio engineering knowledge covering microphone placement, IFBs, and field recorder operation.

• Shot recall accuracy rate, measuring correct robotic camera positioning across live production segments.
• Live link uptime percentage, reflecting reliability of field transmission feeds delivered to the news desk.
• Equipment fault rate per production cycle, tracking how often camera or lighting faults require on-air correction.
• Signal compliance score against broadcast waveform standards, assessed across studio and remote outputs.
• Assignment turnaround time, measuring how consistently field packages are fed ahead of deadline.
• Typical tools: Studio camera systems (commonly Panasonic robotic, manned broadcast cameras); live transmission (commonly LiveU bonded cellular, SNG).

• Base Salary Range: $48,000 to $72,000 annually, depending on seniority and market
• Bonus: Overtime and shift differential common in 24/7 broadcast environments
• Equity: Rare in broadcast; not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; union coverage common at network affiliates
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; holiday scheduling varies by broadcast calendar
• Common Perks: Union membership eligibility, equipment training, shift flexibility

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for employment in this role. All candidates who meet the qualifications will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or employment process may request them at any time. A background check, which may include a driving record review, is a condition of employment.

The Camera Operator delivers broadcast-quality shooting, lighting, and live field linking across all platforms, ensuring every assignment meets deadlines and technical standards. Working alongside the local Camera Team Leader and in daily coordination with the National news desk, the Camera Operator shapes the visual output that sustains the organization's on-air and digital coverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional camera work to meet the requirements of all platforms, delivering a high quality of shooting, lighting, and sound on all shows.
• Provide high-quality live linking and feeding in the field to all platforms to meet deadlines.
• Work alongside the Camera Team Leader in workflow style and brand improvements.
• Provide editing services in the field as/when required.
• Keep all allocated vehicles and shared equipment maintained, safe, and secure at all times.
• Professionally conduct oneself when representing the organization.
• Carry out daily duties as assigned by the National news desk.
• Uphold company values and expected behaviours in all undertakings related to employment.
• Carry out work safely without endangering or causing harm to yourself, staff, contractors, or the public.

Required Qualifications

• Good knowledge of digital broadcasting, editing, and live production techniques, including bonded cellular systems, linking, SNG, and feeding.
• Solid technical knowledge of camera operation, audio, lighting, editing, and all linking techniques.
• Adaptable and informed to ensure the best possible outcome on given assignments.
• Committed to learning new techniques and operating new equipment as needed.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team, including in long-hour and high-pressure environments.
• Able to develop strong working relationships with the National desk, reporters, and colleagues.
• Excellent workflow and time management skills.
• Full/clean Driver's License required.

Embedded within the broadcast studio team, the Video Engineer & Robotic Camera Operator oversees camera configuration, shading, and lighting board programming for all studio sets across live and taped productions. Working closely with directors to uphold network-level composition standards, this position advances the technical consistency and signal integrity that studio and remote broadcasts depend on.

Core Functions

• Configure and set up broadcast studio cameras for daily operations.
• Perform color correction of all set monitors and manage overall camera look and shading for all cameras.
• Operate manual and robotic cameras for live or taped productions.
• Work with directors to establish and maintain network-level camera blocking and composition standards.
• Manage studio lighting responsibility and board programming for all studio sets.
• Troubleshoot video equipment for studio, live, and remote productions.
• Monitor and adjust signals and video waveform monitors to maintain broadcast standards.
• Document quality standards, system anomalies, operational procedures, and reference materials.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate's or Technical Degree preferred, with various forms of education and experience considered.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in live, multi-camera studio production.
• Proficient with robotic and touchscreen camera equipment, including storing, modifying, and recalling shots and ensuring proper robotics configuration.
• Familiar with network-based lighting control systems and robotic camera platforms.
• Excellent computer skills with experience in a live, multi-camera production room.
• Able to lift 50 lbs and set and strike studio gear.
• Able to manage multiple tasks in a high-pressure, 24/7 news environment as a solutions-based team player.

Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Studio Camera Operator supports day-to-day operations of studio technology systems with a focus on camera, lighting, and audio equipment across studio and on-location productions. Partnering with the Video Production team on live and recorded content, this position guides equipment readiness and client support in ways that directly sustain production continuity and audience delivery.

Primary Duties

• Support day-to-day operations of studio technology systems, software, and equipment.
• Focus on camera and lighting for studio and location productions.
• Transport and set up video, lighting, and audio equipment as required for studio and on-location shoots.
• Assist with pre-show facilities checks and fill assigned show roles during productions.
• Perform equipment prep, configuration, check-in and check-out, routine maintenance, and updates for studio staff.
• Work with the Video Production team on live and recorded productions, including video switching, signal routing, character generation, and digital effects.
• Manage client interaction and expectations regarding video production support, and resolve or escalate issues promptly.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change.

Skills & Qualifications

• Education or training in production, computer platforms, or IP/IT technologies with strong troubleshooting skills.
• 5 or more years of experience in a TV or audio production environment across remote, studio, broadcast, and on-location settings.
• General knowledge of audio engineering for broadcast, including microphone selection, console operation, and field recorder use.
• Basic understanding of wireless systems, IFBs, direct boxes, intercom, sound reinforcement, and field audio.
• Hands-on experience with audio and video switching, connectivity, routing, terminations, encoding, and signal flow.
• Familiarity with basic server, networking topology, and operating systems including Windows and Unix.
• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to solve unexpected problems calmly under pressure while communicating effectively in a team.
• Willingness to be on call for critical technical systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.