Media Acquisitions Coordinator

Working at The Weather Channel television network

As The Weather Channel television network, we have heightened focus on innovation, first-class storm coverage and hyper-localized weather information available through our various TV platforms including: The Weather Channel, WeatherScan and Local Now. For more than 30 years, The Weather Channel television network has inspired viewers to explore, investigate and appreciate the experience of weather in all its forms.

We are one of the most widely distributed television networks and the leader in severe weather coverage, providing the most comprehensive real-time programming of any media outlet, with trusted meteorologists who analyze, forecast and report the weather. Weather is inherently fascinating, and we share our passion through the stories we tell to our audiences through our programming. The more our viewers engage with us, the more our stories illuminate how weather impacts almost everything.

Position Summary

The Media Acquisitions Coordinator will accept video feeds and remote requests from WGT editorial staff, with overall responsibility to include but not limited to, tuning satellite feeds, fiber in/outbound feeds, use of FTP client software, satellite management software, scheduling software, DALET media management and ingest, recording feeds from Satellite, Fiber, IP, Aspera, studios, as necessary. Candidates will ensure and execute technical quality for all content feeds and coordinate live shot signals to the Sr MAC, Production staff and/or control rooms. The Media Acquisition Coordinator will manage and assure all technical quality of all outbound feeds. He/she will book and coordinate feed requests both in and out-bound to/from content vendors and other cable and broadcast affiliates. Candidates will manage use of remotes, all satellite ops equipment, check-in live shots, and assure IFB & PL assignments are correct and checked in to support the ongoing needs of the business. The MAC may also be asked to perform quality control checks of longform content for the Media Management team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility to assure all technical and broadcast quality of inbound and outbound feeds.
• Coordinate all remote events outside & inside of TWCN facility, including live signal/multi camera remotes, unilateral live-shot coordination.
• Coordinate satellite and fiber and satellite feeds in and out of TWCN to support live and taped programming.
• Booking feeds and all technical resources as necessary to execute live or taped feed properly.
• Must support the correct tuning of analog and digital satellite transponders, and have complete knowledge high definition and standard definition television standards, both format and aspect ratio conversion techniques understanding TV resolutions, modulation, standards, encoding, symbol rates and other technical parameters of satellite feeds.
• Managing inbound / outbound remote processes, including quality control of all live and taped signals. This requires trafficking fiber and satellite resources, i.e., IRD's, encoders, format conversion gear, adjustment of video and audio levels using waveform and vector scopes, spectrum analyzers, audio level monitoring, routing of signal paths, utilizing video/audio routers, equipment timing, L-Band routers, and the ability to troubleshoot issues in a timely and professional manor. Use and control of LiveU, Dejero, TVU, LTN, VYVX, The Switch, Compusat on a daily basis.
• Tune all satellite feeds, use of video/audio and L-Band routers, route feeds to appropriate remotes, monitor all feeds assuring quality is maintained throughout broadcast, take corrective actions as necessary. Know how to peak satellite antennas.
• Use computers, to tune feeds, manage IFB & PL assignments, use of Excel, Word, Dalet, and other proprietary software tools.
• Communicate in a professional manner and work very closely with Senior Media Acquisitions Coordinator, editorial staff and other cross platform groups and control room staff as necessary. Manage communications paths with remote sites, including assigning and establishing IFB & PL lines for each remote.
• Coordinate and work other cross company entities, external content vendors and distributors, other cable and affiliate cross programming and simulcast initiatives.
• Train new personnel in job functions of satellite operations/MAC coordinator, as assigned.

Education, Experience, Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Broadcasting, Communications, technical degree or equivalent work experience.
• 2 years news satellite operations experience, teleport operations, cable or national experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Multi-task oriented, well organized, manages time effectively and able to effectively manage operational resources in an ever changing environment.
• Knowledge of Electronic News/Field Gathering experience desired, teleport, satellite truck operations, to include ingest operations desired.
• Knowledge of IP technology and the integration with HD-SDI formats and equipment.
• Interacts effectively "horizontally" through TWC as needed, ability to work closely and collaboratively with multiple departments and management.
• Knowledge of digital satellite equipment, waveform and vector scopes, spectrum analyzers.
• Knowledge of HDTV, SDI and IP formats and conversion technology.
• Knowledge of aspect ratios and conversion gear.
• Thorough knowledge of SNG processes.
• Ability to relate with sensitivity to the unique needs and problems of a 24 x 7 operation with critical deadlines.
• Strong troubleshooting skills. Must be able to respond quickly on technical issues in light of operational requirements and act on them accordingly.