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From April 1 to June 15, 2021, the Society of Broadcast Engineers conducted its sixth annual compensation survey to determine salary levels and benefits among broadcast and media technology engineers. This survey provides a wealth of useful information, and it adds to the baseline being developed for subsequent surveys to establish compensation trends.

The complete results of the survey are available at no charge to SBE members as a benefit of membership. The survey is available through the SBE Bookstore. SBE members will login to view and download the report.

The survey included 23 questions that gathered information about job titles, broadcast market size and compensation in dollars and offered benefits. SBE membership was not required to take the survey. About the survey, SBE President Wayne Pecena, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, ATSC3, DRB, CBNE, said, “The SBE Compensation Survey garners interest from SBE members and non-members. We provide this information as a service not only to our members, but the industry. We appreciate the support of those who participated in providing data.”

While all responses remained anonymous, demographic data collected included market size, job category/title, age, years working in broadcasting, salary, benefits received, and any certification held. The data is split into radio or TV results, with greater detail on job category and market size. President Pecena added, “Once again, the survey shows that individuals who hold SBE Certification on average earn a higher salary than those who do not hold SBE Certification. In short: SBE certification pays.”

The post SBE Releases 2021 Compensation Survey Results appeared first on The Society of Broadcast Engineers.

SBE EAS Advisory Group; Larry Wilkins, CPBE, chair

As you should be aware by now, FEMA along with the FCC has scheduled the 2021 National Periodic Test (NPT) for Aug. 11, 2021, at 2:20 p.m. EDT. Should conditions arise that interfere with the transmission of the test on Aug. 11, the backup date is Aug. 25.

The test itself will be distributed via the Primary Entry Point (PEP) system and will not be available via the IPAWS network. This test will be conducted using the over-the-air daisy-chain system, where the message will be received by a state’s PEP station and then passed from station to station based on monitoring assignments set out in each station’s statewide EAS plan.

To ensure a station’s EAS equipment is set up correctly to receive and relay this test, engineers should verify the following:

1. Verify the EAS equipment is operating properly with the most up-to-date firmware and security patches. Contact he equipment supplier for information about the latest version.
2. Verify the EAS equipment system clock is correct and locked to a national time server.
3. Check with the state EAS plan to see what the assigned monitor sources for your area are (this does not include National Weather Service or IPAWS). These monitor sources are listed in the state EAS plan. If you are unable to receive the stations assigned, contact your State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) or State Broadcasters Association to request an alternate source.
4. Verify the audio quality and level from both the required sources. Audio should be clean with no crosstalk, or hum, and the input level of the sources should be set to match your loop-through program audio.
5. Ensure you are receiving the Required Weekly Test (RWT) from both required sources.
6. View the incoming filter list in the EAS decoder. There should be one labeled NPT, with the originator listed as Primary Entry Point, event as National Periodic Test (NPT) and location left blank.
7. It is highly suggested that the station engineer or other responsible employee be on hand the day of the test to ensure the test is received and relayed properly with clean audio. This information will be needed when reporting results to the FCC via the ETRS (Emergency Test Reporting System) by Aug. 12, 2021. Note the reception and relay of the test or any problems in the station log.

Take time now to check all the above, so you can rest easier as we approach the test day of Aug. 11, 2021. Should you have any questions contact your SECC or State Broadcasters Association early.

The post August 2021 National EAS Test Preparation appeared first on The Society of Broadcast Engineers.

Each year, the Society of Broadcast Engineers conducts a member recruitment drive. The drive calls on current SBE members to encourage their non-member colleagues to join the association. This year, 47 individual members and two sustaining members were recruited.

The SBE Membership Drive ran from March 1 until May 31, 2021. As a recruiting incentive to members, the SBE asks for prize donations from SBE sustaining member companies. In addition, the recruiter will earn $5 per new member (up to $25) off his or her 2022 membership dues. 10 sustaining member companies plus the SBE provided prizes this year, ranging from shirts and hats to broadcast equipment. The SBE donated logo items, a copy of CertPreview, and a free Webinars by SBE registration. The theme for the 2021 drive was Add Power to Your Profession.

All the recruiters were eligible for the Membership Drive Grand Prize: A trip the SBE National Meeting this fall. (A cash prize option is available if the winner is not able to travel to the SBE National Meeting.) That meeting is currently planned to be held during the 2021 NAB Show in Las Vegas. The Grand Prize winner this year is Cris Alexander, CPBE, AMD, DRB, of Crawford Broadcasting Company, Aurora, CO. The SBE thanks the sustaining members who provided prizes.

The post SBE 2021 Membership Drive Draws 49 New Members appeared first on The Society of Broadcast Engineers.