All posts by Alabama Broadcasters

Sales Professionals – Bluewater Broadcasting, Montgomery

Description: Bluewater Broadcasting, home of 8 of the best radio stations in the Montgomery/River Region is looking for experienced sales professionals to develop and sell advertising and marketing campaigns to new and existing clients including soliciting new business through prospecting and cold calling, managing and growing existing assigned accounts/budgets, identifying clients’ advertising needs and developing and presenting customized solutions to meet those needs. These individuals are also held accountable for achieving sales budgets and collecting on the accounts.
PRINCIPALS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop and grow relationships across the country at multiple levels of the customer’s organization in order to guarantee effective contacts internal to the organization and to be aware of problems and opportunities
• Develop new accounts as well as sell and service an assigned account list
• Develop customized presentations of the highest quality for new and existing accounts
• Accurately forecast revenue on a rolling three-month basis
• Achieve sales goals as defined by management
• Entertain clients, including some weekend and evening work
• Adhere to station policies regarding pricing, merchandising, commercial content, competitive product protection, etc.
• Monitor competition and trends in radio
• Conduct oneself with the highest degree of integrity and ethics
Required Qualifications/ MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
• Minimum one-year sales experience or related business experience required
• Proven ability to generate new accounts and concept driven business not tied to ratings/efficiencies
• Must be a self-starter and independent worker
• College degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications/ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
• 3-5 years Media Sales experience preferred and must possess exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills
• Some college preferred
• Proven ability to generate accounts in excess of $40K
• Proven ability to generate concept driven business not tied to ratings/efficiencies
• They must be self-motivated, goal driven and creative, with the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• In addition, the right candidate must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance
• Working knowledge of MS office products
• Excellent verbal and written skills a must
• Must be able to utilize research approximately and effectively in presentations
• Ability to use MS Word, Excel, and Power Point for presentations preferred
• Ability to cold call with resulting in-person appointments
• Must demonstrate a high degree of time management and organizational skills
• Must be able to work effectively and efficiently under pressure and stress
• Must demonstrate initiative and ability to manage one’s business with minimal supervision

Send resume to: jobs@bluewaterbroadcasting.com.
Bluewater is an equal opportunity employer.

(05-02-15)

Reviewing 8-VSB

8-VSB revisited…

When the question is asked…”what is 8-VSB” most engineers (with a deer in the headlight look) say it’s that rack mounted unit that is part of DTV transmission system.

Actually it’s that rack mounted unit that converts our nice stream of 0’s and 1’s into a signal that can modulate the transmitter.  When you stop and look at it…the transmitter is an AM transmitter like the ones we have been using since Guglielmo Marconi invented AM radio in the late 1800’s.  Simply put an AM transmitter varies the RF output level corresponding to the rate and level of a program signal. First we have to convert our flow of digital 0’s and 1’s into something that can modulate an AM transmitter.

The process of conversion started earlier in the stream as the high definition video is compressed by a MPEG-II encoder.  We had created very nice high quality video, but unfortunately, we only have a pipe of 6 MHz to send our signal through to Aunt Bessie’s television set.

After compression the MPEG-II encoder then multiplexes this compressed video information together with pre-coded Dolby AC-3 audio and any ancillary data that will be transmitted.

That created data stream (now call the Transport Stream) has a data rate of 19.39 Mbit/Sec.  Quite a reduction from the over 1 Gbit/Sec of the original video and audio.  As the stream begins the travel from the MPEG encoder to the 8-VSB exciter it will take on a serial form and use the protocol named SMPTE-310 interface standard.

When the stream reaches the 8-VSB exciter it under goes a great deal of rearranging.  This process which includes the sections in diagram below is designed to add forward error correction which will help overcome interference and errors introduced in the signal along the path from the station antenna to Aunt Bessie’s TV set.

Because of all the information added for error correction in the above blocks, our original data package of 19.39 Mbits/sec has increased to 32.28 Mbit/sec at the output of the trellis coder.

The segment sync and field sync pulses along with the pilot allows the receiver to “lock” onto the incoming signal and begin decoding, even in the presence of heavy ghosting and high noise levels.

In the NTSC signal we had a video carrier for the receiver to lock onto, plus horizontal and vertical sync plus to aid in proper video lock.  In ATSC the pilot replaces the video carrier, segment sync is somewhat like NTSC horizontal sync and field sync is roughly analogous to the NTSC vertical interval.  Note, however, that unlike NTSC, the ATSC syncs do not play any role in the framing of the displayed image on the receiver picture tube. This information is encoded digitally as part of the MPEG packet address information.

The Trellis encoder also has the job of configuring the data stream into a format that can modulate the RF carrier.  This is accomplished by dividing the bits in the stream into 3 bit words.  Each word contains 2 bits of the payload and 1 bit of error correction.

If you recall your binary theory, a 3 bit word can represent 8 different combinations of 0’s and 1’s. 2 raised to the power of 3 = 8. These 8 combinations can represent 8 different voltage levels which then can modulate the RF carrier.

Our eight level baseband DTV signal, with syncs and DC pilot shift added, is then amplitude modulated onto an intermediate frequency (IF) carrier. This creates a large, double sideband IF spectrum about our carrier frequency, as is shown in Figure 3.

This is way too much information to transmit in 6 MHz.  Since information in the upper and lower sidebands is redundant we can eliminate all but a small portion of the lower sideband.  This is called Vestigial Side Band. The word vestigial means forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable

Now let’s review some numbers….the gross data rate coming out of the Trellis encoder is 32.28 Mbit/sec, which includes the 19.36 payload with the remainder used for error correction overhead.

Since each of the 8 levels of modulation (now called symbols) can handle 3 bits, the resulting

symbol rate is 32Mb / 3 = 10.76 Million symbols/sec.

After some clever shaping and filtering using the Nyquist Theory the final RF carrier appears as in figure 4.

That my friend is a simplified explanation of how the 8-VSB signal is put together.  Of course there are a lot of things that go on behind the scene in the various stages of creating the signal.  You can find a lot of detail information including all the mathematical equations that are used it putting this together on the internet.

Check out the article “What exactly is 8-VSB anyway?” by David Sparano.

But be careful, some of it (as one engineer put it) can turn your mind to mulch!

A BIG thanks to Josh Bohn with Bohn Broadcast Services for becoming a supporting sponsor of the ABA Engineering Academy.

  Visit their web site www.bohnbroadcast.com

We welcome comments and suggestions about this article plus other technical areas of interest that you would like to have covered. Previous issues of this series can be found here

Digital Sales Manager – WSFA, Montgomery

WSFA, the Raycom-owned NBC affiliate in Montgomery, AL has an immediate opening for a Digital Sales Manager. This is a sales management position with defined revenue objectives. The ideal candidate should have 3-5 years of sales management experience, preferably in a broadcast media. We are looking for a leader that will work in tandem with our local sales managers to develop digital revenue initiatives and achieve digital budgets. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a successful history of attaining digital budgets with a team. We are looking for someone that shares a passion for creating client-specific campaigns that will meet the unique challenges and objectives that our clients are experiencing in the digital space. Strong communication and organizational skills coupled with the ability to execute and complete a digital campaign from start to finish, are critical attributes to success in this position. College degree preferred. Qualified applicants, apply online at careers-raycommedia.icims.com/jobs/3363/digital-sales-manager/job and attach your cover letter and resume. No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V

(05-01-15)

Creative Services Producer/Editor – WEAR/WFGX, Mobile-Pensacola

Category:
Production
Position/Title:
Creative Services Producer
Details:
WEAR ABC 3/WFGX is seeking an experienced and creative Producer/Editor for our Creative Services Department. Help give a voice to small businesses and the Northwest Florida Community. Qualified candidates must be able to create, conceptualize, script, shoot and edit cutting edge commercials for our communication skills are a must as well as a strong interest in local news, station promotion, and commercial production. Live production experience is a plus.
Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
3/31/2015
Closing Date:
4/30/2015
City:
Pensacola – 32506
State:
Florida
URL:
www.weartv.comExperience:
2 years experience preferred
Requirements:
Requirements:
•Non-linear editing experience
•Extensive shooting and scripting of both short and long form spots
•Ability to write, shoot and edit content that tells a compelling story
•A strong understanding of fundamental design, sense of color, typography and composition
•Advanced knowledge of the post-production process, including media management and encoding video to various formats
•Ability to maintain a variety of projects and work with varying production styles while employing strong client service skills
•Advanced knowledge of HD cameras and videography, motion graphics and creative lighting techniques
•Ability to maintain digital assets, archives and edit systems
•Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record
•Ability to routinely lift, carry and move equipment in excess of 40 lbs
•A minimum of 2 years of experience in broadcast production is a must
•A college degree is preferred
Additional Information:
Responsibilities:
Meeting deadlines with clients and staff, and managing equipment maintenance and usage
•Properly coordinate and schedule all aspects of Promotional and Commercial Production, including working with staff, clients, and agencies
•Accurately and promptly turn in all client billing to Department Manager
•Other responsibilities as assigned
Contact:
Sinclair Broadcast Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
Please apply online by going to www.sbgi.net/employment

Job posted by an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

(04-30-15)

Production Assistant – Local 15, Mobile

Category:
News
Position/Title:
Production Assistant
Details:
Make your mark in Broadcasting. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the nation, programming 162 stations located in 79 geographically diverse markets after pending transactions. Our success is the result of extraordinary employees and an exemplary management team who believes in a vision and is dedicated to making Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc a communications powerhouse. We are advancing the world of Broadcasting and we want YOU to join our winning team!
LOCAL 15 News is seeking an aggressive, energetic, and creative Full-Time Production Assistant. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following :
* Gathering news affecting the community
* Preparing story items for presentation in the newscasts
* Assisting in the efficient operation of the assignment desk
* Posting content to our website and social media sites
* Running cameras and prompter for the newscasts.

Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
3/30/2015
Closing Date:
4/30/2015
City:
Mobile – 36609
State:
Alabama
URL:
www.Local15tv.com

Experience:
Minimum of one (1) year of assignment desk experience.
A Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Journalism is preferred.
Requirements:
Requirements include, but are not limited to :
* Commitment to journalistic standards of ethics and accuracy
* Ability to communicate effectively
* Basic computer knowledge/word processing skills
* General knowledge and interest in local, national, and world news
* Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
* Proficiency with Facebook, Twitter, and emerging social media
Additional Information:
This position is Full-Time and will require working a flexible schedule that includes nights and weekends.
Contact:
Sinclair Broadcast Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
Please apply online by going to www.sbgi.net/employment

Job posted by an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

(04-30-15)

Newscast Director – WEAR, Mobile-Pensacola

Category:
News
Position/Title:
Director
Details:
Make your mark in Broadcasting. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the nation, programming 162 stations located in 79 geographically diverse markets after pending transactions. Our success is the result of extraordinary employees and an exemplary management team who believes in a vision and is dedicated to making Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc a communications powerhouse. We are advancing the world of Broadcasting and we want YOU to join our winning team!
WEAR-TV is looking for a Director for our Newscast.
Responsibilities:
Perform any production duties as assigned including:
* Direct and TD any assigned newscasts and productions
* Create graphics daily using Photogshop and Deko
* Train production crew in cameras, audio, graphics, etc.
* Maintain production studio and control room
* Perform other tasks related to the position as assigned, which may include website contribution
Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
3/30/2015
Closing Date:
4/30/2015
City:
Pensacola – 32506
State:
Florida
URL:
www.weartv.com

Experience:
2 years experience
Requirements:
Requirements:
•Experience Directing and Editing newscasts
•Knowledge of production standards and equipment
•Full working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
•Ability to clearly give direction to crew while under pressure
•Typing and good spelling skills necessary
•Ability to read and write, college degree preferred
•Must be able to lift & position 40 pound lighting instruments
•Must have valid driver’s license with clean record
Additional Information:
Drug test required.
Contact:
Sinclair Broadcast Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
Please apply online by going to www.sbgi.net/employment

Job posted by an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

(04-30-15)

Broadcast Engineer – WKRG News 5, Mobile

WKRG News 5, the CBS affiliate in Mobile, AL, is seeking an experienced broadcast engineer. Primary responsibilities will include operating, installing, maintaining troubleshooting and repairing broadcast and IT equipment used at WKRG studios, and transmitter sites. Strong computer and networking experience preferred. Must be able to work outside of normal business hours, including mornings, nights and weekends. Assist in keeping current maintenance logs & ordering parts & supplies. Assist with microwave shots and satellite truck operations. Perform additional duties deemed necessary for the successful operation of the station as may be assigned by management. Some outside work required with occasional exposure to inclement weather. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
WKRG-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. From time to time, we have job openings at our organization, which require a variety of skills and talents.
EOE M/F/D/V Pre-employment drug and background screen required. Send resume, and references to: HR, WKRG-TV, 555 Broadcast Drive, Mobile, AL 36606 or email hr@wkrg.com All applicants must apply online at www.mediageneral.com

(05-01-15)

WDFX Fox 43, Dothan

DO YOU HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND MARKETING CONCEPTS? FOX 34 TELEVISION NEEDS SOMEONE WITH THE SKILLS AND DESIRE TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES GROW. FOX 34 HAS THE TOOLS UTILIZING TELEVISION AND DIGITAL PRODUCTS TO HELP MARKET THOSE LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ARE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON TO JOIN OUR STAFF. OUTSIDE SALES EXPERIENCE HELPFUL BUT HARD WORK IS MANDATORY. For More information go to www.dothanconnect.com. Apply at bit.ly/1BEpp1u. WDFX IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING IS REQUIRED. EOE- M/F/D/V

(05-01-15)

Executive Producer – WTVY, Dothan

WTVY, Dothan’s #1 rated news station has an immediate opening for an energetic and experienced Executive Producer. This is NOT an entry level position. Desired candidate will have at least two years of television producing experience or news management at a commercial station. The Executive Producer will serve in a leadership role, mentoring young producers and reporters to achieve peak performance. Producing of daily newscasts is required, as well as management and oversight of other shows.
Primary responsibilities as Executive Producer include:
Strong writing & editing skills is vital.
Responsible for visual elements & accuracy for all newscasts.
Strong time management skills & ability to multi-task in a high-stress environment is essential.
Ability to perform well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to copy edit stories and approve scripts for reporters.
Handle weekly newsroom staff scheduling.
Work with weather and sports departments to coordinate extended coverage when necessary.
Produce news specials and oversee special projects.
Knowledge of Edius & iNews is also a plus.
Other duties as assigned by News Director.

The desired candidate is someone who will demonstrate strong news judgment, working with the News Director to shape daily and extended coverage plans. Strong editorial skills and command of the language is vital. The Executive Producer must be a leader who is an accomplished team builder, helping a young staff reach its potential. As well as supervising the staff, the Executive Producer must lead by example to motivate team members.
We have veteran anchors and managers that are always willing to help, top flight equipment and a winning culture. We’re looking for someone to jump in and help us build on our already outstanding reputation as the news leader in our market. The ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines is essential.
WTVY covers counties in three states; Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Our primary DMA is in Southeast Alabama. WTVY (CBS) is the established market leader in Dothan. We have a live truck, a satellite truck, multiple backpack live units and three bureaus and we produce more than 29 hours of live news per week. Work on our sister station, WRGX (NBC) will also be required.
If you have a desire to produce high-energy, creative newscasts that appeal to our viewers, we want to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who hopes to become a News Director in the future. Send resume to the attention of:
Kim Allen – News Director
285 N. Foster Street
Dothan, AL 36303
No phone calls please.
WTVY-TV, a Gray Television Group Station, is an equal opportunity employer and a DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. Pre-employment drug screening and driver’s license check are required.

A valid driver’s license and a good driving record are absolutely necessary for this position.

This job announcement remains in effect for a period of 45 days after the posting date listed above and will be re-issued if the position is not filled within that time.

(05-11-15)

MMJ/Anchor/Producer – WTVY, Dothan

WTVY, Dothan’s #1 rated news station has an immediate opening for a multimedia journalist/anchor/producer. Desired candidate will serve as a MMJ three days per week, covering an assigned beat area. This position also requires anchoring/producing duties for our weekend evening newscasts on WTVY (CBS). Other fill-in work may be required, as assigned by the News Director.

Primary responsibilities as a multimedia journalist include:
Strong writing, shooting & editing skills.
Shoot, write and deliver new stories to run in programming on two networks.
Strong live skills are a plus.
Develop contacts within assigned beat area & use those contacts to generate content for newscasts on two networks; WTVY (CBS) & WRGX (NBC)
Knowledge of Panasonic P2 camera, Edius, iNews is also a plus.
Ability to lift 50 pounds of camera/editing equipment.
Other duties as assigned by News Director.

Primary responsibilities as anchor/producer include:
Produce & anchor two newscasts per day for weekend evening newscasts on WTVY (CBS)
Excellent camera presence
Ability to deliver news content in a clear, concise, entertaining manner
Outstanding journalism skills and broadcast judgment.
Strong writing, editing and research skills.
Excellent time management skills is essential.

The desired candidate is someone who wants to be the architect of a top-rated, award-winning newscast, as well as a regular contributor to our market-leading news product. We have veteran anchors that are actively involved in show construction, top flight equipment and a winning culture. We’re looking for someone to jump in and help us build on our already outstanding reputation as the news leader in our market. The ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines is essential.

WTVY covers counties in three states; Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Our primary DMA is in Southeast Alabama. WTVY (CBS) is the established market leader in Dothan. We have a live truck, a satellite truck, multiple backpack live units and three bureaus, allowing us to produce more than 29 hours of live news per week. Work on our sister station, WRGX (NBC), will also be required.
A four-year degree, plus one year of commercial or university experience preferred. This is not an entry-level position. We’re looking for someone to join the team, hit the ground running and lead by example. Send resume to the attention of:

Kim Allen – WTVY News Director
285 N. Foster Street
Dothan, AL 36303
Materials may also be emailed to kim@wtvy.com
No phone calls please.
WTVY-TV, a Gray Television Group Station, is an equal opportunity employer and a DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. Pre-employment drug screening and driver’s license check are required.

A valid driver’s license and a good driving record are absolutely necessary for this position.

This job announcement remains in effect for a period of 45 days after the posting date listed above and will be re-issued if the position is not filled within that time.

(05-11-15)