Media Oper I

Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology (DEET) brings together the Company’s best-in-class product, technology, and commercialization teams together into one global organization. DEE is responsible for all distribution, network and engineering operations, sales, advertising, data, and certain key technology functions worldwide for the Company's content engines. DEE also manages operations of the Company's streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ HotStar, as well as domestic broadcast and cable television networks.  

DEE Technology creates products, platforms, and innovations for the DEET Segment and The Walt Disney Company by driving the strategic development and use of technology, building scalable systems and products to empower our businesses and engage consumers. With global scale, local presence, and deep technological excellence, DEET and The Walt Disney Company optimize technology, platforms, and resources, while bringing creative ideas to life and creating industry-shaping approaches. 

Job Summary

The Media Operations team is responsible for the planning, sourcing, processing, and archiving of various types of media formats and content, including the distribution of on-air programming. This position can be assigned to and will work within several different operational areas in this team.

A Media Operator 1 works with many business partners and customers within and outside of ESPN, including Production Control room personnel, remote production teams, and outside vendors.  Work will be performed in a fast-paced environment and often under tight deadlines with a wide variety of content requirements.  A Media Operator 1 will demonstrate proficient skills in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, processing media files for live and pre-recorded content across all ESPN linear and digital platforms. This position will be responsible for recording, editing, playback, transcoding, cataloguing, and archiving of various media formats and server-based material while ensuring all content meets ESPN’s standards for video and audio quality.

 Responsibilities/Duties of the Role

• Organize and distribute all server content used for recording and playback.
• Validate proper video and audio quality during live and recorded programming, set up records of incoming feeds, and clip/edit content for production and programming.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology as assigned, including but not limited to, standard and high-definition operations, content management, linear and non-linear edit systems, encoding systems, server-based recordings/playback devices, server networking, tape deck and content duplication operations, broadcast routers, intercoms, planning of network content and media movement, EVS operations, and more.
• Operate in a fast-paced, high pressure and deadline driven environment.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of editing techniques on non-linear systems.
• Understand complex information and disseminate it to proper personnel in a clear and concise manner.
• Measure audio and video signals to ensure quality control of ESPN endorsed standards on all operations using comprehensive knowledge of broadcast methods.
• Seek information regarding the workflow of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Network Operations.
• Troubleshoot and effectively document any necessary follow-up and/or resolution.
• Participate in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
• May participate in training others in operational areas and generate training documentation.
• Understand Closed Captioning systems and associated workflows.
• Collaborate with Technology teams to enhance existing applications.
• Provide strategic thinking for day-to-day operations.
• Learn and gain advanced skills in different operational areas to best facilitate the coordination of assignments.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years' practical television production experience at the large market or network level.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental objectives.
• Must demonstrate ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and perform on simultaneous projects.
• Ability to work as a part of a team dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are a necessity.
• Excellent organizational, efficiency and planning skills are required.   
• Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
• Candidates must have a good computer background (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc...) and strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on background in a live production environment, internship, or similar educational experience.
• Familiarity with server-based recording/playback and non-linear editing systems such as Quantel.
• Understanding of format conversions, EVS, transcoding systems and file formats.
• Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism or related field
• Vocational School Certification
• Related Experience