The act of distributing speech, music and visual images etc., as by radio and television to an audience is known as broadcasting.
In earlier times, “broadcasting” referred to the activity of radio and television stations alone, but since the advent of cable, satellite and Internet, it is often described as the concurrent real-time distribution of any media from one source to many recipients, using any transmission method. The recipients may be the general public or a relatively large sub-audience.
Broadcasting should not be confused with unicasting (transmitting to a specific receiver, as in case of an e-mail), multicast (transmitting to multiple specific receivers, as in case of an e-mail to a list), anycast (transmitting to the nearest of a group of routers).
There are various types of broadcasting systems with different capabilities: 1. Institutional public address system: These are the largest broadcasting systems that transmit nonverbal messages and music within small premises. 2. Low powered broadcasting systems: These systems are responsible for transmitting radio and television signals to a small area. 3. National radio and television broadcasters: These systems have nationwide coverage. They use retransmitting towers, satellite system and cable distribution. Doordarshan in India is an example of this system. 4. Satellite radio and television broadcasters: These systems cover even wider areas, such as entire continents. Zee Network, SET India, Star TV Network are examples of satellite television broadcasters. 5. Internet channels: They are responsible for distributing text and streamed music worldwide.
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The radio and television stations create content or acquire the right to broadcast radio and television programs. The networks transmit their signals from the studio via satellite signals to local stations or cable distributors. The broadcast signals then travel over cable television line, satellite distribution systems, or the airwaves from a station's transmission tower to the antennas of television and radio. Anyone in the signal area with a television or a radio can receive the programming.
A variety of programs are broadcast by radio and television stations and networks. Stations produce some of the programs, usually news in their own studios. Much of the programming such as talk shows, music programs, movies, other entertainment, and advertisements are produced outside the broadcasting industry.
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The revenue for television and radio stations and networks comes in various ways. Each differs in the method by which stations are funded. Commercial television and radio stations earn their revenue by selling advertising time. Educational and non-commercial stations generate revenue from donations by individuals, foundations, government and corporations.
Broadcasting is a highly competitive industry and some formal training is required to entering this industry. The best method is to obtain technical school or college training. When starting out broadcasting technicians and sound engineers learn the skills on the job from experienced technicians and sound engineers. IT skills are also a must because the norm these days is digital recording, editing and broadcasting.
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The main responsibilities of broadcast technicians are to monitor and log outgoing signals and operate transmitters; setting-up, adjusting, servicing and repairing broadcast equipment. They are also responsible for operating the control panels to select the source of the material. Technicians may switch from one camera to another, from film to live programming or from network to local programming. In large stations technicians are required to perform specialized activities but at smaller stations they perform various duties. Broadcast technicians and sound engineers generally work indoors in pleasant surroundings but those involved in news broadcasting and other programs from outside locations have to work outdoors in all types of weather or other dangerous conditions. Many broadcasters have erratic work schedules, having to work early in the morning or late at night.
Broadcasting being a highly competitive industry, broadcasters are not willing to provide on the job training; they prefer candidates who can perform the job immediately. Thus it is better to start at a smaller stations and performing a lot of duties before moving to another employer in order to advance.
