Electronic media is an integral part in our life. It includes different houses and most importantly televisions channels. Radio and television are important part of the broadcasting system and the same is needed to be managed properly and effectively. Broadcasting, an important tool for mass communication is the method of distribution of audio and video content via any audio or visual communication medium, normally by using electromagnetic radiation (radio waves). One of the career option related to broadcasting is broadcasting engineering. Apart for the commercial TV and radio, broadcasting technology has been used for the purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, experimentation, self-training and so on.
Broadcast engineering is the field of electrical engineering, and now to some extent computer engineering and information technology, which deals with radio and television broadcasting. Broadcast engineering involves the studio end and the transmitter end, as well as remote broadcasts. Every station has a broadcast engineer, though one may now serve an entire station group in a city, or be a contract engineer who essentially freelances his or her services to several stations as needed. Broadcast engineers may have varying titles depending on their level of expertise and field specialty. Some widely used titles include broadcast design engineer, broadcast systems engineer, broadcast IT engineer, broadcast IT systems engineer, broadcast network engineer, broadcast maintenance engineer, video broadcast engineer, TV studio broadcast engineer, outside broadcast engineer, remote broadcast engineer, etc.
Broadcast engineers may need to possess some or all of the following degrees, depending on the broadcast technical environment. If one of the formal qualifications is not present, a related degree or equivalent professional experience is desirable. Aspirants may have degrees like degree in electrical engineering, degree in electronic engineering, degree in telecommunications engineering, degree in computer engineering, degree in management information system, etc. It is considered as a sub division of electrical engineering can be defined as regulation of equipments for signal strength, clarity, and range of sounds and colors in radio and television broadcasting. Most of the engineering divisions like electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer engineering, information technology and audio engineering are integrated in broadcast engineering.
Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) is a Mini Ratna public sector enterprise of Government of India was established in 24 March 1995 and provides project consultancy services and turnkey solutions encompassing the entire gamut of radio and television broadcast engineering viz content production facilities, terrestrial, like satellite and cable broadcasting in India and abroad. It also provides associated services like building design and construction, human resource related activities like training, providing man power etc. It also undertakes supply of specialized communication, monitoring, security and surveillance systems to defense, police department and various para-military forces.
Apart from engineering degrees, there are diplomas, post graduate and certificate level courses in broadcast technology are offered by several Institutes in India. Those who wish to pursue a career in broadcast engineering must have sound knowledge in areas of math, physics, and electronics. They must possess computer proficiency and networking knowledge to operate in broadcasting stations and in equipments operating in digital technology.
Ranjan K Baruah