Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Graphic Operator Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Graphic Operator Assistant, you are the backbone of our on-air visual presentation. You will be responsible for the real-time playback and operation of character generator (CG) systems during live and pre-taped productions. Working closely with producers and directors in a high-pressure control room environment, you will ensure all graphic elements—from lower-thirds and score bugs to full-screen informational displays—are executed with precision, accuracy, and perfect timing. This position requires a blend of technical proficiency with broadcast graphics software, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and focused under the pressure of a live broadcast. You will be a key contributor to delivering a polished, professional, and visually engaging product to our audience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant
Broadcast or Design Internship
Recent Graduate (Broadcast Technology/Graphic Design)
Master Control Operator

Advancement To:

Graphic Operator / CG Operator
Senior Graphic Operator
Lead Broadcast Graphics Designer
Technical Director

Lateral Moves:

Motion Graphics Designer
Video Editor
Broadcast Producer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate character generator (CG) systems (e.g., Ross XPression, Chyron, Vizrt) for the insertion of real-time graphics during live and pre-taped broadcasts.
Collaborate directly with producers and directors in the control room to execute graphic cues accurately and on-time, responding swiftly to verbal commands.
Perform meticulous quality control on all graphic elements before they go to air, proofreading for spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy in names, titles, and statistics.
Manage and organize the ingest, preparation, and playout of all on-air graphic assets, ensuring they are properly formatted and loaded into the system.
Build and populate graphic templates with information provided by the production team, such as player stats, lower-third identifiers, and other show-specific data.
Ensure all graphics adhere to established network branding guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional look across all productions.
Monitor graphic output on program and preview monitors to ensure technical quality and proper layering, identifying and correcting any issues immediately.
Create and modify basic graphic elements and templates using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) as needed to support production requirements.
Efficiently manage a large library of digital graphic assets, implementing proper naming conventions and archival procedures for easy retrieval.
Troubleshoot basic technical issues with the CG hardware and software in real-time, working with engineering staff for more complex problems.
Prepare and check graphic rundowns and scripts prior to broadcast to anticipate the flow of the show and prepare all necessary elements in advance.
Operate live data-driven graphics, such as scoreboards, clocks, and tickers, ensuring the information displayed is current and correct.
Work closely with the graphics design team to provide feedback on template functionality and suggest improvements for operational efficiency.
Maintain clear and concise communication with the entire production crew, including technical directors, audio engineers, and stage managers, during fast-paced live events.
Assist in the setup and teardown of graphics operator stations for both in-studio and remote productions.

Secondary Functions

Support senior graphic operators by taking on overflow tasks and preparing elements for multiple upcoming shows or segments.
Participate in production meetings and rehearsals to gain a thorough understanding of the show's creative and technical requirements.
Assist in the training of new assistants or freelancers on specific workflows, software, and control room protocols.
Log and document any technical errors or operational challenges encountered during a broadcast to contribute to post-show reports and process improvement.
Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in broadcast graphics, including new software features, hardware, and design aesthetics.
Manage the transfer and conversion of various media file types to ensure compatibility with the broadcast graphics system.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Broadcast Graphics Software: Proficiency or strong familiarity with character generator platforms such as Ross XPression (highly preferred), Chyron, or Vizrt.
Adobe Creative Suite: Foundational skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for editing and creating graphic assets.
Live Production Environment: Understanding of control room operations, terminology, and workflows.
File Management: Excellent organizational skills for managing and archiving a high volume of digital assets under tight deadlines.
Video Formats: Knowledge of different video and image file formats, codecs, and resolutions used in a broadcast environment.
Data Integration: Experience with connecting graphics to live data sources (e.g., score feeds, databases, spreadsheets) is a major plus.
Fast Typing Speed: Ability to type quickly and accurately to make real-time updates to on-air graphics.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for spotting errors in text, layout, and data before they make it to air.
Grace Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm, focused, and precise in a high-stakes, fast-paced live broadcast environment.
Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with the production team.
Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly diagnose and resolve technical or operational issues as they arise.
Teamwork: A collaborative mindset and the ability to work seamlessly as part of a larger production crew.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle last-minute changes to rundowns, scripts, and graphic requests.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, combined with relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Broadcast Technology
Graphic Design
Communications
Digital Media Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a related role.

Preferred: Direct experience operating a character generator in a live broadcast control room (e.g., local news, college sports, corporate events) is highly desirable. Internships or freelance experience in a relevant setting will be strongly considered.