This week, the Texas Association of Broadcasters announced the launch of its “Technical Academy,” which aims to help Texas radio and television broadcasters manage the day-to-day technology infrastructure for their stations.
Delayed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy’s first offering — training and certification for radio station Chief Operators — is set for the week of May 2 in Austin, Texas.
The intensive, week-long course is designed to “boost expertise” among broadcasters by providing participants with a basic understanding of broadcast station operations and the responsibilities essential to maintaining a station’s daily operations as a Certified Radio Operator.
CROs work under the guidelines of a station owner/manager in compliance with FCC regulations 47 CFR Part 73.
After completion of the four-day CRO training and testing, participants will then receive a fifth day of training and testing for a TAB Chief Operator certification. Certifications are contingent upon passing the tests.
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The Society of Broadcast Engineers’ study guides are the foundation of the CRO instruction, which will be supplemented with content and videos developed specifically for these courses by broadcast engineers throughout Texas. The supplemental content highlights real-world demands for Chief Operators and provides key insights into new technologies.
At the May training, participants may elect to take their respective SBE Certified Radio Operator exams upon course completion. Exams will be administered by a SBE proctor. Additional training and testing will be administered for TAB Chief Operator course completion certification.
Longtime Texas broadcast engineer Gil Garcia is leading the Academy’s initial offering with the support of engineers from stations throughout the state. Garcia retired in 2019 from iHeartMedia/Clear Channel Radio after a 55-year-long career.
TAB is offering these trainings at no cost to member stations, including all instructional materials, SBE certification test fees, as well as breakfast, lunch and refreshments daily. All training will take place at TAB’s Ann Arnold Center in Downtown Austin. Stations are responsible for all travel and lodging costs, with TAB arranging a discounted group rate at a hotel near the TAB office.
Similar training for TV station Chief Operators is planned for this fall.
Additional information and registration details for the Technical Academy can be found on TAB’s website.
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