Master Control Operator

WDAY, the number #1 station located in the Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN metro area, broadcasts across the entire state of North Dakota, Western Minnesota, and Eastern South Dakota. WDAY is an award-winning station, taking home multiple Emmy awards as well as regional and national Edward R Murrow awards in recent years. They produce more live, local sports coverage than anyone in the region, and are the proud home of North Dakota State University Athletics and North Dakota High School Activities State Tournaments. WDAY is part of Forum Communications Company, a 5th-generation family-owned media company, and produces over 40 hours of local news, weather, and sports content each week, making them the most watched news station in the state of North Dakota and Western Minnesota.

Job Summary
WDAY-TV is seeking a reliable, tech-savvy Master Control Operator to join our broadcast operations team. The Master Control Operator is the central hub of our on-air transmission, responsible for monitoring live network and local feeds, switching live sporting events and breaking news cut-ins, managing automated playout schedules, and ensuring absolute compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadcasting standards.

Essential Functions

- Operate digital broadcast automation systems, media servers, and playout software to ensure scheduled programming, commercial breaks, and promotional spots air accurately without interruption.

-  Set up satellite dishes and receivers for reception of programming.

-  Record programming and inserting timing information to make it ready for air.

-  Switch live content on-air, including live programming, local cut ins, or crawls.

-  Monitor on-air and cable broadcast signals, as well as satellite feeds to ensure quality and accuracy.

-  Record programs from satellite feeds for later use, and prepare programming for future playback.

-  Set up, schedule, and air programs and program breaks according to the program log.

-  Operate and adjust video, lighting, audio, and broadcast equipment.

-  Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions.

-  Ensure that transmissions meet government regulations.

-  Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.

-  Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent. Technical skills training preferred.

- One year of experience in television is preferred.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

- Knowledge of related hardware and software.

Expected compensation for this role is between $15-$18/hour, based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.
Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

- Health, dental, and vision packages

- Paid maternity and parental leave

- Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance

- Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage

- Retirement benefits with company match

- Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.