TAB Launches Technical Academy

posted on 2.24.2020

- Chief Operator for Radio Certification Set for May

TAB is launching a new Technical Academy to help Texas Radio & Television broadcasters boost expertise among their ranks in managing the day-to-day technology infrastructure for their stations.

The Academy’s first offering – training and certification for Radio station Chief Operators – is set for the week of May 18 in Austin.

Training is free to TAB member stations.

This intensive, week-long course will provide participants with the basic knowledge and understanding of broadcast station operations and the responsibilities essential to maintaining a station’s day-to-day operations as a Chief Operator. COs work under the guidelines of a station owner/manager in compliance with requirements specified by FCC regulations 47 CFR Part 73.

After completion of the four-day CRO training and testing, participants will then receive a fifth day of training and testing for a TAB Chief Operator certification. Certifications are contingent upon passing the tests.

Similar training for TV station Chief Operators is set for October and all training will take place at TAB’s Ann Arnold Center in Downtown Austin.

TAB is offering the training at no cost to member stations, including all instructional materials, SBE certification test fees, as well as breakfast, lunch and refreshments daily.

Stations are responsible for all travel and lodging costs, with TAB arranging a discounted group rate at a hotel near the TAB office.

Program Leaders

Two of the most respected broadcast engineers in Texas, Gil Garcia and Mike Wenglar, are leading the Academy’s initial offerings with the support of engineers from stations throughout the state.

Both have enthusiastically contributed their insights and expertise to TAB for decades.

Garcia, recently retired from iHeartMedia/Clear Channel Radio after a 55-year career, is leading the charge on the Radio side.

Wenglar, 2011 TAB Pioneer of the Year and 2016 recipient of TAB’s George Marti Award for Engineering Excellence, is developing the TV program.

TAB Technical Academy Details, Registration

SBE Curriculum & Real-World Content

The Society of Broadcast Engineers’ study guides are the foundation of the CRO instruction, which will be supplemented with content and videos developed specifically for these courses by broadcast engineers throughout Texas.

The supplemental content highlights real-world demands for Chief Operators and provides key insights into new technologies.

At the May training, participants may elect to take their respective SBE Certified Radio Operator exams upon course completion. Exams will be administered by a SBE PBE proctor.

Additional training and testing will be administered for TAB Chief Operator course completion certification.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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