Media Operator I

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally.

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world. 

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here:

1. Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

2. Reach, Scale & Impact: More than ever, Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the unmatched stories, storytellers, and events they carry – matter to millions of people globally. 

3. Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms, and solve complex and distinctive technical problems.

Content Platforms & Operations

Content Platforms & Operations is responsible for the development and ongoing advancement of the technical and operational functions driving the worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes Disney’s media supply chain and storage, network and theatrical distribution operations, media localization, network transmission and origination, and more. The global team also plays a critical role as the primary collaboration point for Product & Technology with Disney’s EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regional business teams.

Job Summary:

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, playback, quality assurance, 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 and 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 deliver content for production and programming.

·       Demonstrate knowledge in the use of all broadcast equipment and technology as assigned, including but not limited to: media management, encoding systems, server-based recordings/playback devices, server networking, physical media 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.

·       Understand complex information and be able to communicate 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 out information regarding workflows of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Content 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.

Basic Qualifications

·       A minimum of one year 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 the ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently, and perform on simultaneous projects.

·       Ability to work as a part of a dynamic team.

·       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 strong familiarity with Microsoft Office applications or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Hands-on background in a live production environment, internship, or similar educational experience.

·       Familiarity with server-based recording/playback systems such as Quantel and Mediator X.

·       Understanding of broadcast format conversions, EVS, transcoding systems and file formats. 

·       Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish

Required Education  

·       High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education  

·       Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field

·       Vocational School Certification

·       Related Experience

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