ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Master Control Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Master Control Operator

Lancaster, PA

WGAL-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate located in the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA market has an opening for a Master Control Operator. You will oversee the equipment that provides the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaster Control JobsMaster Control Jobs in Pennsylvania

Master Control information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$77.2K

$88.6K

$98.2K

How much do master control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for master control in Pennsylvania is $88,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,200.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is master control?

Master Control refers to the technical hub of a television or radio broadcast operation. It is responsible for monitoring, switching, and ensuring the correct transmission of programs, commercials, and other content. Master Control Operators oversee the broadcast schedule, manage live feeds, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure that all broadcasts comply with regulations and quality standards. Their work is essential to keeping programming on air smoothly and accurately.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a master control operator?

To thrive as a Master Control Operator, you need a solid understanding of broadcast operations, signal flow, and video/audio standards, typically supported by experience in television production or a related technical field. Familiarity with automation systems, broadcast playout servers, and regulatory compliance tools like FCC logging software is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure smooth on-air operations, minimize broadcast disruptions, and maintain compliance with industry standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by master control operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Master Control Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining broadcast quality under tight deadlines, troubleshooting technical issues quickly, and managing unexpected program changes. Effective communication with engineering and production teams is crucial for resolving on-air problems swiftly. Developing a strong attention to detail and staying calm under pressure can help operators manage these challenges and ensure smooth, uninterrupted broadcasts.

What is the difference between Master Control vs Broadcast Technician?

AspectMaster ControlBroadcast Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in broadcast operationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentBroadcast control rooms, 24/7 operationsStudio and equipment maintenance, troubleshooting
Industry UsageTelevision and radio stations, cable networksBroadcast facilities, production companies

Master Control and Broadcast Technicians both work in broadcast environments, but Master Control primarily manages the live broadcast feed, ensuring smooth transmission, while Broadcast Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing equipment. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the broadcasting industry.

What does a master control operator do?

A master control operator manages the technical operations of a broadcast or production facility, ensuring that video and audio signals are transmitted smoothly and correctly. They monitor equipment, switch between feeds, troubleshoot issues, and maintain broadcast quality during live or recorded programming, often working with control room systems and following safety protocols.

What skills are needed for master control?

Master control operators need strong technical skills, including knowledge of broadcast equipment, video and audio editing, and automation systems. They should have good attention to detail, the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly, and often require certifications or training in broadcast operations. Familiarity with scheduling software and the ability to work flexible hours are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Master Control jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Master Control jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Master Control jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Master Control jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Master Control jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Master Control job openings:

Master Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Control job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,612 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Master Control Operator

Hearst

Lancaster, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 78 rated media

Job description

WGAL-TV, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate located in the Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA market has an opening for a Master Control Operator. You will oversee the equipment that provides the content of our broadcast on-air program streams. You will monitor multiple air channels, prepare content, build playlists, maintain regulatory compliance, assuring quality control of on-air products, and documenting transmission events. You will ingest commercials and programs, timing them and making sure they all play on air properly. You will report to the Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate live and recorded programming for broadcast
  • Maintain on air operation to include running commercials, network and local programming
  • Monitor multiple channels to ensure regulatory compliance and signal integrity
  • Operate broadcast automation equipment
  • Follow FCC monitoring and EAS procedures
  • Observe transmitters and take readings
  • Maintain program and transmitter logs
  • Edit and append playlists
  • Acquire content from distributors and content delivery systems
  • Report on equipment issues and transmission discrepancies
  • Move and handle props and sets during production
  • Lighting and script preparation for newscasts
  • Flexibility to adapt to a schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on organizational needs, special events, or unforeseen circumstances as required
  • Maintain appearance of studios including cleaning of set and floors

Requirements

  • 1+ years of computer, email, software and web applications
  • Prior exposure to television station operations and newscast production
  • Work in a collaborative environment and independently
  • Experience with master control activities and tasks preferred; training will be offered for qualified candidates
  • Knowledge of graphics systems for on-air branding and messaging
  • Can handle stresses and pressures of time-sensitive newscast production
  • Higher education in technology, SBE or related military experience will be considered
  • Related military experience will be considered
  • In-person attendance is required

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs
Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Hearst employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply