Will AI replace Broadcast Technicians?
Estimated risk score: 71 out of 100
High replacement risk
Estimate from published task research, not reviewed by a person · how we estimate
Within about 19 points for 4 in 5 of the jobs we checked (52 to 90).
For the occupation as a whole, from ratings of its 29 O*NET tasks published in 2023 and calibrated to our hand scores. A specialty inside it can sit higher or lower.
O*NET-SOC 27-4012.00 · Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
Tasks rated in 2023 as ones AI could do or speed up
Tasks a GPT-4-class model could do, or do in half the time or less: 19 of its 29 rated tasks; the first 6 are shown. In O*NET’s words.
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Set up, operate, and maintain broadcast station computers and networks.
- Substitute programs in cases where signals fail.
- Develop employee work schedules.
- Edit broadcast material electronically, using computers.
- Prepare reports outlining past and future programs, including content.
Tasks rated in 2023 as not sped up by AI
Tasks such a model was rated as not speeding up or taking over: 8 of its 29 rated tasks; the first 6 are shown. In O*NET’s words.
- Install broadcast equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and perform maintenance or minor repairs, using hand tools.
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Align antennae with receiving dishes to obtain the clearest signal for transmission of broadcasts from field locations.
- Discuss production requirements with clients.
- Give technical directions to other personnel during filming.
- Instruct trainees in use of television production equipment, filming of events, and copying and editing graphics or sound onto videotape.
What the job is
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
Also called: Broadcast Engineer, TV Technician, Radio Engineer, Production Tech, Studio Engineer, Color Technician, Control Engineer, Radio Technician.
Closest jobs we score by hand
In the same field (Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media). Different jobs, each scored by a person.
Source. This site includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. (O*NET, CC BY 4.0.) Task ratings: Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock (2023), “GPTs are GPTs: An Early Look at the Labor Market Impact Potential of Large Language Models”, data used under the MIT licence (licence texts). Our change: we averaged the ratings over this occupation’s tasks and calibrated them to our 0–100 scale. It is not a prediction about any one person and not career advice. Disagree? Write to hello@yourstopwashit.com. How we estimate