Broadcast Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of 24/7 news and multimedia content, the demand for Broadcast Captioners is at an all-time high.

As society becomes more reliant on continuous information flow, the need for skilled individuals who can accurately interpret, transcribe, and broadcast our world grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly does a Broadcast Captioner do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the true nature of this position,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of broadcast captioning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Broadcast Captioner job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight in.

Broadcast Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Broadcast Captioners are responsible for transcribing spoken words and sounds in real-time into text for television broadcasts, online streaming, and other mediums to ensure accessibility for people with hearing disabilities.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Listen to live or recorded broadcasts and convert them into written text in real-time
• Work with specialized software and equipment to provide closed captions, subtitles, or real-time translations
• Ensure accuracy and speed of transcriptions to provide timely and relevant captions
• Make necessary corrections to transcriptions as required
• Work with a high level of concentration for extended periods to follow fast-paced dialogues
• Understand and adhere to guidelines for captioning, including the use of proper grammar and spelling
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter to accurately caption technical terms, slang, or jargon
• Review and proofread captions for pre-recorded programs or broadcasts
• Communicate effectively with other members of the production team to ensure the quality of the final product

 

Broadcast Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous Broadcast Captioner to transcribe the spoken content of live or pre-recorded broadcasts.

Broadcast Captioner responsibilities include generating accurate and real-time captions for television programs, news broadcasts, sports events, and other live presentations.

They are also responsible for ensuring that the captions synchronize with the audio.

Candidates should have excellent listening skills, fast typing speed, and profound knowledge of spelling and grammar.

They must be capable of working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribe audio content of live or pre-recorded broadcasts in real-time.
• Ensure captions are accurate, synchronized with audio, and free of spelling and grammatical errors.
• Use specialized captioning software and equipment.
• Review and edit captions for pre-recorded programs.
• Coordinate with the production team to understand broadcast schedules and requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Follow guidelines and legal requirements for captioning.
• Perform quality control on captions, including checking for accuracy and timing.
• Update and maintain a personal dictionary of names, phrases, and terminology for different broadcasts.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a broadcast captioner or a related role.
• Excellent listening skills and a high typing speed.
• Proficient in English grammar and spelling.
• Familiarity with captioning software and transcription equipment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Degree or certification in Broadcast Journalism, Communications, or a related field is advantageous.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Broadcast Captioner
• Work Environment: This role is typically office-based, but remote work may be possible depending on the broadcast requirements. Some weekend and evening work may be necessary due to live broadcasts.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Broadcast Manager or Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Broadcast Captioner Do?

A Broadcast Captioner, also known as a stenocaptioner, provides captions for television programs, news broadcasts, and live events.

These captions are primarily for the benefit of audiences who are deaf or hard of hearing, though they can also be used by anyone who wishes to watch programming with the sound off.

They listen to the dialogue or commentary in the program, transcribe it into written form, and then broadcast it as subtitles on the screen.

This includes not just the spoken words, but also descriptions of sound effects, music, and other relevant audio information.

Broadcast Captioners need to be extremely fast and accurate typists, as they often work in real time.

This means they need to be able to transcribe the dialogue as it is being spoken, with no room for error.

In addition to live captioning, Broadcast Captioners may also pre-record captions for pre-recorded programming.

They may work for television stations, cable networks, or other broadcasting services.

They also play a crucial role in ensuring accessibility and compliance with regulatory standards regarding television and digital media.

 

Broadcast Captioner Qualifications and Skills

A proficient broadcast captioner should have the skills and qualifications to fit your job description, including:

• Exceptional listening skills to accurately understand and transcribe fast-paced, live dialogue.
• Excellent typing speed to keep up with the real-time nature of broadcasting.
• Proficiency in the use of captioning software and equipment to create readable and accurate captions.
• Strong English language skills, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation to produce high-quality captions.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines inherent in live broadcasting.
• Attention to detail to ensure that captions match the spoken words perfectly.
• Good understanding of cultural references, slang, and colloquialisms to accurately transcribe a wide range of content.
• Awareness of the need for confidentiality and adherence to broadcasting rules and regulations.
• Understanding of the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to produce captions that are clear and easily understood.

 

Broadcast Captioner Experience Requirements

Individuals seeking a career as a Broadcast Captioner generally require a significant amount of experience, typically achieved through educational training and practical experience.

This can be through a dedicated broadcast captioning or court reporting program, where they learn the technical skills, computer software, and speed accuracy required for the job.

Entry-level Broadcast Captioner roles may require at least 1-2 years of experience, potentially gained through internships or part-time positions in related fields such as transcribing or stenography.

It is also important for these individuals to have experience with different types of software used for captioning and transcription.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are typically more desirable as they have honed their skills in real-time captioning and transcription.

They may have also gained experience in a variety of settings, from court reporting to live television broadcasting, enhancing their adaptability and proficiency.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field have likely developed a high level of speed and accuracy in their captioning skills.

They may also have experience in supervisory or managerial roles, training new captioners, or coordinating live captioning events, making them well-suited for leadership roles within the industry.

In all cases, an excellent command over the English language, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong attention to detail are key experience indicators for a Broadcast Captioner.

 

Broadcast Captioner Education and Training Requirements

Broadcast Captioners typically require an associate’s degree or certificate in court reporting or broadcast captioning.

These programs train individuals in speed writing, transcription, and the use of specialized equipment and software.

In order to become a professional captioner, one must be able to caption at speeds of up to 225 words per minute.

Many states require Broadcast Captioners to hold a state license or certification from a professional organization such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT).

The licensing or certification process often involves passing a written knowledge test and a skills test, where the candidate demonstrates their speed and accuracy in transcribing spoken words into captions.

Continued education is highly recommended for Broadcast Captioners, as it keeps them updated with the latest technology and changes in the industry.

Advanced courses and workshops in real-time captioning, communication access real-time translation (CART), and other specializations can be very beneficial.

Finally, successful Broadcast Captioners usually possess excellent typing skills, strong English grammar and punctuation knowledge, and the ability to work under pressure.

Experience in a related field such as journalism, broadcasting or court reporting can also be advantageous.

 

Broadcast Captioner Salary Expectations

A Broadcast Captioner earns an average salary of $64,430 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as professional experience, the complexity of the work, geographical location, and the entity that employs them.

 

Broadcast Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Broadcast Captioner need?

A Broadcast Captioner needs excellent listening abilities, rapid typing skills, and a strong grasp of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

They should also have a broad general knowledge to understand diverse topics, current events, and cultural references.

Familiarity with stenography equipment and software is also a necessity.

 

Do Broadcast Captioners need a degree?

While a degree may not be strictly necessary, a certificate or degree in court reporting or a related field can be highly beneficial.

Many employers look for Broadcast Captioners who have completed a training program that includes machine shorthand, transcription, and legal terminology.

 

What should you look for in a Broadcast Captioner resume?

Look for evidence of fast, accurate typing skills, and experience with stenography or captioning software.

Any certifications or training in court reporting or captioning are a huge plus.

Additionally, consider any experience the candidate may have with live broadcasting, as this can be a challenging environment requiring the ability to work under pressure.

 

What qualities make a good Broadcast Captioner?

A good Broadcast Captioner is accurate, quick, and able to handle pressure.

They should have excellent listening skills and the ability to quickly understand and transcribe spoken words.

They need to be adaptable, able to handle a range of different topics, and comfortable with fast-paced, live environments.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Broadcast Captioner?

Finding a qualified Broadcast Captioner can be challenging due to the specialized skills required.

The candidate needs to have excellent listening and typing skills, be able to work quickly and accurately under pressure, and be familiar with a wide range of topics.

Not everyone has this unique combination of skills, making the pool of qualified candidates relatively small.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into what it really means to be a Broadcast Captioner.

Surprise!

It’s not just about typing out words as they’re spoken.

It’s about creating a seamless viewing experience for a wide range of audiences, one subtitle at a time.

With our comprehensive Broadcast Captioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to make your next move.

But why hold back now?

Expand your horizons with our job description generator. It’s your perfect companion for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every caption you create contributes to a more inclusive viewing experience.

Let’s create that experience. Together.

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