All posts by Alabama Broadcasters

Chief Engineer – WAAY ABC 3, Huntsville

February 26, 2014
https://www.facebook.com/abc7sarasota
WAAY-TV, ABC 31 has immediate opening for a Chief Engineer.

WAAY-TV, ABC 31 is a local multimedia broadcast station that delivers relevant news and information along with top rated entertainment programs to Huntsville and the surrounding Tennessee Valley communities. The station’s mission is to use the power of its television and digital platforms to deliver news and information that helps the area thrive. WAAY – TV is located in Huntsville, AL on Monte Sano Boulevard and operates a news bureau in Florence, AL.

Primary Responsibilities
Must be able to manage and maintain complex television integrated systems with minimum or no supervision. Have a strong working knowledge of networks, routers, MS operating systems and application software. Strong troubleshooting skills and have the ability to work independently and quickly in high-pressure situations. Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations regarding television broadcasting. Experience with ENPS AP News Systems, Edius editing, and Bitcentral workflow a plus. Practical working knowledge of plumbing, HVAC and basic construction techniques. Ability to develop, update and follow SOP procedures a must. Broadcast TV, RF engineering knowledge to maintain and repair all technical equipment both studio and transmitter, satellite downlink and microwave transmission systems. Design and construction of new engineering projects as directed by Corporate Engineering and project management. Contribute to the development, preparation and implementation of operating and capital expense budget and special projects. Effectively present information and respond to general manager, corporate management, clients, viewers and general public.

Minimum Requirements
Bachelor degree in Engineering or equivalent level of knowledge to enable you to perform substantially the same work as the degreed employees.
5 years’ experience in a broadcast management role.
FCC license or SBE certification a plus.
Strong maintenance, organizational, computer and people skills.
Must be physically able to bend, lift and carry up to a maximum of 70 pounds and climb ladders or other equipment as needed.
Must have a solid working knowledge of PC’s, networks, routers, MS & MAC operating systems and application software such as Word and Excel.
A valid Alabama drivers’ license and good driving record.

Send resume to jobs@waaytv.com or
WAAY – TV
Chief Engineer
1000 Monte Sano Blvd
Huntsville, AL 35801

Calkins Media Incorporated and WAAY – TV are Equal Opportunity Employers. We have a tradition of encouraging a wide diversity of talents through a broad range of hiring practices. Everyone is encouraged to apply. The candidate must have a visceral distaste for office politics and gossip. No phone calls please. (03-27-14)

AM Anchor/Reporter – WAAY ABC 31, Huntsville

February 26, 2014

WAAY-TV, ABC 31 has an immediate opening for an AM Anchor / Reporter.

WAAY-TV, ABC 31 is a local multimedia broadcast station that delivers relevant news and information along with top rated entertainment programs to Huntsville and the surrounding Tennessee Valley communities. The station’s mission is to use the power of its television and digital platforms to deliver news and information that helps the area thrive. WAAY – TV is located in Huntsville, AL on Monte Sano Boulevard and operates a news bureau in Florence, AL.

Primary Responsibilities

This position is responsible reporting news from the studio or from the field as a Morning Co-Anchor. Must have outstanding storytelling abilities, sharp news judgment, high ethical and journalistic standards. Must possess a commanding presence on air; excellent verbal and written communication skills; be a top notch reporter who thrives in the field; a producer who can assist with writing and stacking the assigned show(s). Must be able to contribute to our website and actively participate in social media. Other duties will apply as needed.

Coordination
Works closely with News Director, Assignment Manager, Web Content Manager, other Anchors and news personnel.

Minimum Requirements
Bachelor degree in Journalism, Mass Communication or equivalent.
3 – 5 years’ experience as an Anchor or Reporter with Anchor experience.
A valid Alabama drivers’ license and good driving record.
Ability to carry heavy video equipment in locations with difficult access.
Bilingual a plus.
The candidate must have a visceral distaste for office politics and gossip.

Please submit your resume along with salary requirements, DVD or web link to: jobs@waaytv.com
Or:
WAAY – TV
1000 Monte Sano Blvd
Huntsville, AL 35801

To learn more about WAAY-TV, ABC 31 visit www.waaytv.com or Calkins Media Incorporated www.calkins.com

Calkins Media Incorporated and WAAY – TV are Equal Opportunity Employers. We have a tradition of encouraging a wide diversity of talents through a broad range of hiring practices. Everyone is encouraged to apply. The candidate must have a visceral distaste for office politics and gossip. No phone calls please. (03-27-14)

Executive Morning Show Producer – Clear Channel, Birmingham

Cross-cluster Executive Morning Show Producer in Birmingham, Al

We just graduated another one to the big leagues! Clearchannel Media and Entertainment, Birmingham seeks Full-Time executive Morning show producer. The ideal candidate is someone who is plugged into their community, and understands what people are talking about at church, Target, football games, and around the dinner table with their families. The ability to both navigate and create content on sites like Facebook, and twitter are all a must. This position requires understanding of minds of the consumers of multiple formats: Country, A/C and News-Talk. You should also be a ravenous consumer of all media, from web sites like TMZ and the Blaze, to TV shows like The Voice, Sports Center, and the Five. Finally maintenance of an ever-growing smart-phone contact list of top shelf local and national celebrities and guests is critical.

The position would require assisting in the booking, planning and execution of three high profile morning shows, general promotional support, board operation and production.

The following are additional desirable traits that we are looking for. No applicant will have every single one of these, but if you don’t have at least most of them, we are probably not a good fit for each other:

•4+ years experience producing a show, preferably a morning show in a rated market.
•Able to work well under pressure while still wearing a smile.
•Quick audio editing skills, Adobe Audition preferred.
•Experience with Nex-Gen.
•Experience running an audio board for a live radio program.
•Phone screening experience.
•Guest booking experience.
•An understanding of social media and how to use it to grow the show.
•Radio production experience.
•A desire to be an integral part of three major-market-sounding shows.
•Someone who is not mic shy, but also knows the role of the producer is not to get between the host and the listener.
•Someone who understands and respects Alabama culture, and the target listener for each of the respective brands.
•The ability to keep several plates spinning at once.
•Great promotional ideation.
•Someone who is not afraid to get up very, VERY early in the morning, every weekday morning.

-This is not a regular 9 to 5 job, and it is definitely not a job for beginners.

If you have the goods, and the enthusiasm, send you resume and any other useful propaganda that demonstrates your skill, aptitude, and drive today. Also please answer the following:

1.If not local, how quickly can you relocate? What will it take to get you here?
2.(Being realistic) provide at least a broad salary expectation (so I know we are not wasting each other’s time)
3.Are there any obligations which would prevent you from preforming your duties on a consistent basis?
4.In one paragraph, or less, tell me why you are the perfect candidate for this job, and why we shouldn’t even look at any other applicant.

Please send Cover Letter, Resume, and air check demo to:

careerchannel.silkroad.com/

Please DO NOT send your resume’s directly to the radio station or contact us by phone. Because of EEO regulations, you will need to apply through the above website. Otherwise, your application will not be reviewed.

Clear Channel is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status. (03-27-13)

There’s still time to sign up for the March television broadcast engineering class

February 22, 2014

The Television Broadcast Engineering class starts Monday March 3rd and runs through eng_notebookFriday March 7th. There is still time to sign up.

This class is designed primarily for those interested in learning more about the technical side of television broadcasting. We encourage you to look around your operation and locate those that would benefit from this training. Experienced engineers can use it as a refresher course on the basics along with getting inside information about new technology.

The class is offered by the ABA Engineering Academy at no cost. Should the student desire to take the SBE Certification exam on Friday afternoon there will be a charge for the test. It is not required to take the exam to attend the classes.

Classes are held at the ABA training center 2180 Parkway Lake Drive, Hoover AL.

You can get more information and sign up online. You may also contact Academy Director Larry Wilkins at 334-303-2525.

Larry Wilkins CPBE®
Alabama Broadcasters Association
334-303-2525

Reporter – WEAR, Pensacola FL

Category:
News
Position/Title:
Reporter
Details:
WEAR, the ABC Affiliate in Pensacola, FL, is accepting applications for a full time Reporter. We are looking for candidates who possess good storytelling skills (showing excellent use of video, audio, and natural sound to tell compelling stories about people and issues), experience with live reporting, enterprising stories, and beat coverage.
Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
2/14/2014
Closing Date:
3/14/2014
City:
Pensacola – 32506
State:
Florida
Experience:
Minimum 2 years experience.
Requirements:
Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
Additional Information:
SBG is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. No phone calls.
Contact:
While completing the on line application, please include a recent web link of your work. If you do not have a recent web link of your work, please apply online and then submit a non-returnable DVD to:

News Reporter Vacancy, WEAR-TV, 4990 Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL 32506.

Job posted by an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (03-14-14)

Anchor – WEAR, Pensacola FL

Category:
News
Position/Title:
News Anchor
Details:
Welcome to sunny Florida! WEAR, the ABC affiliate located along Florida’s Gulf Coast in Pensacola, is looking for a full time anchor with at least 3 years of experience. Qualified candidates should have exceptional skills on the anchor desk, reporting and producing knowledge and experience, and social media and web reporting skills.
Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
2/14/2014
Closing Date:
3/14/2014
City:
Pensacola – 32506
State:
Florida
URL:
www.weartv.comExperience:
3 years
Requirements:
Qualified candidates should have exceptional skills on the anchor desk, reporting and producing knowledge and experience, and social media and web reporting skills.
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 (03-14-14)

Sales Professionals – WAGG/WALI, Tuscaloosa

SummitMedia WAGG-AM Birmingham and WALJ-FM Tuscaloosa are looking for Full Time Sales Professionals. This is a position that involves the sale of advertising on air, on line and on site through sponsorship opportunities offered throughout the year. The candidate will be expected to establish relationships with clients that are strong enough for the clients to converse comfortably with the seller and share their most pressing challenges with the seller so that the seller will be able to bring back a well thought out solution for the client. Other responsibilities include: finding and acquiring new business opportunities, attending networking events and generally presenting a professional and polished image of the company they represent. Candidate will also work closely with internal departments (ie: programming, promotions, business and traffic) to help fulfill the client’s expectation with regard to all areas of their business relationship with the company.

The successful candidate must be flexible, personable and able to orchestrate sales and promotional plans developed for clients successfully. The successful candidate must also be organized, dependable, self-motivated and project a professional appearance and friendly demeanor. A valid driver’s license and background check are required.

If interested in applying for this position, please forward a resume to SummitMedia Sales Department, Attention Linda McNeal, 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 115, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, or forward electronically to Linda.McNeal@summitmediacorp.com.

It is the policy of SummitMedia, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency. (03-15-14)

Sports Reporter – Local 15 TV, Mobile

Category:
News
Position/Title:
Sports Reporter
Details:
Local 15 News has an opening for a full time Sports Reporter. Strong storytelling, plus photography and editing skills are critical to this position.
Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
2/13/2014
Closing Date:
5/31/2014
City:
mobile – 36609
State:
Alabama
URL:
www.local15tv.comExperience:
This is not an entry level position.
Requirements:
You will need to be able to produce more than highlights. The successful candidate will be able to generate local-sports-feature stories that appeal to sports and non-sports fans.
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 (0-31-14)

Meteorologist – WSFA News 12, Montgomery

WSFA 12 News in Montgomery, Alabama is looking for a full-time Meteorologist. Applicant should have at least two years experience working as a meteorologist, have a Meteorology & or Atmospheric Science degree and should have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Full working knowledge of WSI/MAX products & Live Wire, is a plus. Strong, creative graphics building skills are required to maximize signature graphics to tell your weather story in every weathercast. The candidate should also have strong reporting skills (storytelling/photography/editing) as well to complete a weekly franchise assignment. Severe weather experience is a must. Central Alabama is a hotbed for severe weather and the candidate must be ready for all situations. Candidate must be able to communicate in a calm and reassuring manner during very stressful situations. Accurate weather forecasting with a strong science background should be demonstrated. A creative, fresh presentation as well as severe weather examples should be included on any demo reel submitted,. Candidate must bring professionalism, energy, confidence and personality to our newscasts and our newsroom. These responsibilities and skills apply on-air, all social media platforms as well as wsfa.com, facebook & Twitter. College degree and AMS or NWA Seal of Approval required. Please send a cover letter resume with references & a link to your work, explaining why we should hire you.
Apply to: careers-raycommedia.icims.com No phone calls please. EOE/M/F/D/V (03-12-14)

Engineering Notebook – Important information for AM station engineers

February 7, 2014

In light of several recent Notices of Apparent Liability (NAL) issued by the FCC to  AM stations, we thought we would remind engineers that maintain AM directional sites  the importance of monitoring and documenting the operation closely. The FCC has found that a number of  stations failed to maintain required directional patterns within prescribed parameters and operate within authorized power limits.

Section 73.1560(a) of the Rules require AM station licensees to maintain their antenna input power within 90% and 105% of the authorized power.  AM stations authorized power is normally determined by observing the antenna current at the feed to the tower or a line current meter at the common point during directional operation.

I realize we are “preaching to the choir” but the station engineer needs be aware that the 90% – 105% is the power not antenna or line current.  You must calculate the required current by using simple ohms law.  I = √(P/R) where I is the required current, P is power and R is tower resistance.

For example….if your station is licensed for 1000 watts then 105% would be 1050 watts and 90% would be 900 watts.  For simple math assume the antenna resistance is 50 ohms, by using the above formula we find the following…

90%…..900 watts….4.24 amps
100%…1000 watts…4.47 amps
105%…1050 watts…4.58 amps

However if you have a directional AM facility operating with less than 5 kW then you allowed to increase total power 8%.  Stations operating with more than 5 kW can increase total power 5.3%. This increase is to overcome losses in the phasing network. Most AM directional stations authorization has this increase already listed as the licensed power. The 90% – 105% limits apply to that power.

Increasing the power for the allowed percentage the above example would be….

90%……972  watts….4.40 amps
100%….1080 watts….4.64 amps
105%….1134 watts….4.76 amps

In addition to maintaining the correct power level directional stations have the added task of making sure parameters of the directional pattern are within the required tolerances. Stations are required to have a type accepted antenna monitor which allows the measurement of the phase and current ratios of each tower in the system. The authorization will list the licensed phase and current ratio for each tower. FCC rule 73.61 states the phase should be kept within +/- 3 degrees and the current ratio should stay with +/- 5% of values listed on the authorization.

In the event of a failure of system components, improper pattern switching or any other event that results in operation substantially at variance from the radiation pattern specified in the instrument of authorization for the pertinent time of day, operation must be terminated within three minutes unless power can be reduced sufficiently to eliminate any excessive radiation.

Each AM station using a directional antenna with monitoring point locations specified in the instrument of authorization must make field strength measurements as often as necessary to ensure that the field at each of those points does not exceed the value specified in the station authorization. Additionally, stations not having an approved sampling system must make the measurements once each calendar quarter at intervals not exceeding 120 days.

Engineers should make sure they have means to ascertain that all parameters of the station authorization are being met.  One that draws a number of NAL is not being able to tell if transmission system changes day and night operations correctly.  The remote control should alert the engineer of any and all improper operations.  A check of these alarms should be conducted at least once a quarter.

Another comment about directional operation.  Even if you have an “approved sample system”  which relieves you from making routine field measurements, as station engineer you should still visit and take field measurements at least once a quarter.  The antenna monitor is only indicating what is happening at the base of the tower.  Things can happen in the field (large buildings constructed, new towers built, etc.) that can affect the pattern.

Engineers should  also verify that the directions to the monitor  points as described on the license is still valid.  These can become out of date and should be updated if needed.  Also, if a monitor point becomes unstable or no longer reachable, then you should file for a change of monitor point location with the Commission.

If the FCC inspector or an alternative broadcast inspector visits your facility, they will want to visit the monitor points.  It would be very embarrassing to take the inspector to a monitor point and there is a large shopping center on the property.  Or even more embarrassing is to not even know where the monitor points are.

Keep notes on all the readings and corrective action taken (if needed) then recorded in the transmitter maintenance log.

Larry Wilkins CPBE®
Alabama Broadcasters Association
334-303-2525