Careers with Cable Networks
One of the fastest growing aspects of cable television today is
production and programming. Creative minds and technical skills
are needed to devise new offerings as cable leads the way in
entertainment and up-to-the-minute information.
Careers in Cable Programming Networks can be broken into the
following categories:
Management
Programming
Sales
Legal
Communications
Q = Link to job qualifications
Management
President and/or Chief Executive
Officer (CEO)
At the head of every cable programming network is the President
and/or Chief Executive Officer (CEO). It is this person's
responsibility to oversee the work of each of the departments
within the network. The ultimate goal of every network is to
maximize both its number of subscribers and its number of
viewers. To achieve this goal, the CEO must position the network
competitively in the television and communications marketplace.
This typically requires daily decision-making concerning
programming, marketing, budgeting, and overall personnel
management. Q
Personnel Director
The Personnel Director organizes all aspects of employment
including classification, pay, benefits, training, and career
development. Q
Programming
Programming Executive
Cable networks are constantly creating ways to incorporate
current issues and trends into quality programming for their
viewers. Responsible for creating and coordinating television
shows, the Programming Executive decides which programs the
network will carry in its lineup. Other duties include managing
in-house programming, which includes but is not limited to
budgeting and deal negotiation. He or she purchases series or
movies previously aired in theaters or on broadcast television,
and schedules the programs to ensure that the shows are aired at
appropriate times. Q
Producer
When a cable system opts for in-house programming, the
Programming Executive hires a Producer to oversee the project.
Depending on the size of the production, the Producer's duties
include everything from selecting the cast to scheduling daily
rehearsals and taping sessions. He or she may also write or adapt
the script, supervise the camera and video staff, and decide
which camera shots, angles, and camera will be used. The cable
network may contract a Producer for only one production or
series, or the Producer may be a member of the network's
permanent programming staff. Q
Assistant Director
While the Producer decides on the visual interpretation of the
script, the Assistant Director is in charge of the studio. Acting
as the link between the production and technical crews, the
Assistant Director places equipment in proper place, coordinates
timing with the camera crew, and works the video control
board.
The Assistant Director also cues commercial and news breaks at
the network. Q
Audio Technician
Many technical positions are needed to produce in-house
programming. The Audio Technician is responsible for monitoring
the pitch and volume in all dialogues between the actors. He or
she also adds sound effects and is in charge of all musical cues.
The Audio Technician synchronizes the microphones used in
production. Q
Lighting Technician
To make the production more eye-catching, the Lighting Technician
uses shadows, highlights, and other lighting techniques. Special
effects are created through lighting, and they add to the
viewers' overall impression. Q
Floor Manager
The Floor Manager is in contact with the control room throughout
a production. He or she cues the camera and provides silent
signals to the cast. Q
Editor
After the filming or taping, the Editor electronically splices
the tape under the supervision of the producer. The Editor
produces the program in its final form. Q
Studio Technician
The Studio Technician is responsible for the overall technical
management of the studio. This technician replaces and repairs
equipment, diagnoses problems, and assures the facility is
operational. Q
Researcher
The Researcher stays up-to-date with consumer trends and
demographics. To gain input from viewers, the Researcher conducts
studies of different regions. For example, he or she may send
surveys to viewers to find out what shows they like or dislike.
The Researcher may use ratings to test the effectiveness of
promotional efforts and program scheduling. Q
Talent Booker
The Talent Booker works closely with the Researcher. After the
Researcher determines what kind of programming viewers want to
watch, the Talent Booker contracts the appropriate performers to
star in the production. The Talent Booker follows viewer trends
to ensure that the most popular celebrities are featured, and he
or she also works with talent agencies to discover new
talent.
Sales
Sales is a very important part of the cable programming network
because this department manages all expenditures and revenues. In
order to produce new programming, the network must continually
generate revenue. This money is then invested in quality
television shows. Q
Vice President of Ad
Sales
The VP Ad Sales assumes responsibility for overseeing all
advertising on the cable network. His or her staff markets the
network to local merchants, who can then target a specific
demographic audience reached by the network.
Vice President of Affiliate
Relations
The VP Affiliate Relations represents the cable network to
systems across the country, and often works to maintain customer
satisfaction when a network markets programming.
Vice President of
Finance
The VP Finance determines the best strategy for balancing the
cable network's budget, deciding whether the network can afford
programming and grants permission to make purchases.
The sales staff also includes the Account Executive, who sells
programming to systems and the Regional Director, who oversees
account acquisitions.
Legal
Cable programming networks engage in substantial amounts of
business involving contract negotiations (i.e. network
programming agreements, previously aired programming purchases,
etc.). Therefore, experienced attorneys and staff are necessary.
The Legal Affairs
Representative oversees the exchanges. Q
Communications
While the success of a cable network is ultimately based on its
programming, like most businesses in today's competitive markets,
good public relations can help pave the way. It is the job of the
Communications Director to promote the network to consumer and
trade writers who cover television. For instance, the
Communications Director
may send preview tapes of certain programs to a TV writer for a
major daily newspaper in an effort to win a favorable review. Or,
statistics about the increasing number of affiliates carrying the
networks may be sent to popular trade magazines within the
television industry.
There are many methods through which a cable network can garner
positive press coverage, and it is the job of an imaginative
communications department to develop and employ those which are
most effective. Q