TAB Re-Launches Technical Academy

posted on 3.14.2022

- Chief Operator for Radio Certification Set for May

Delayed for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, TAB is finally launching its 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 2 in Austin.

Training is free to TAB member stations.

The intensive, week-long course will provide participants with the basic knowledge and understanding of broadcast station operations, as well as the responsibilities essential to maintaining a station’s daily operations as a Certified Radio Operator. CROs work under the guidelines of a station owner/manager in compliance with 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 planned for this fall 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 Leader

Gil Garcia, one of the most respected Radio broadcast engineers in Texas, is leading the Academy’s initial offering with the support of engineers from stations throughout the state. He has enthusiastically contributed insights and expertise to TAB for decades.

Garcia retired in 2019 from iHeartMedia/Clear Channel Radio after a 55-year career.

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.

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