Transmission Specialist I

On any given day at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we’re reimagining ways to create magical viewing experiences for the world’s most beloved stories while also transforming Disney’s media business for the future. Whether that’s evolving our streaming and digital products in new and immersive ways, powering worldwide advertising and distribution to maximize flexibility and efficiency, or delivering Disney’s unmatched entertainment and sports content, every day is a moment to make a difference to partners and to hundreds of millions of people around the world!

A few reasons why we think you’d love working for Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

• Building the future of Disney’s media business: DE&E Technologists are designing and building the infrastructure that will power Disney’s media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.
• Reach & Scale: The products and platforms this group builds and operates delight millions of consumers every minute of every day – from Disney+ and Hulu, to ABC News and Entertainment, to ESPN and ESPN+, and much more.
• Innovation: We develop and execute groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and enhance how audiences experience sports, entertainment & news.

Content Operations is ultimately responsible for successfully delivering Disney’s entertainment and sports content to millions of people every day. This involves developing, operating, and managing a global content supply chain – the myriad of steps involved from taking a finalized TV show/movie, or live piece of content, from inside Disney to audiences around the globe, in their preferred language and format. This team also manages technology operations in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific!

The Digital Center 3 (DC3) Transmission team supports the 24x7 monitoring and operational sustainment of ABC linear and digital distribution along with the Disney Kids and Family Cable Networks, (Disney Channel, Freeform, Disney XD, Disney Junior), National Geographic and Disney FX. This team is also responsible for the ABC Television Network distribution to our 200+ over-the-air affiliate stations as the primary uplink site. In addition, they manage the ABC-OTTO over-the-top-operations distribution for DMVPD (Digital Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) partners including Hulu Live and others. As part of the cable and satellite distribution portfolio of services, this data center houses the disaster recovery systems for ESPN, ESPN2, SEC, and ACC networks.

As a member of this team, you can expect to work withground breaking technology and be responsible for high-profile content supporting our linear and digital networks. In 2023 our transmission team acquired over 9,500 contribution feeds in support of studio shows and live sports and entertainment events for, ABC, ABC-OTV, FX, Disney, Disney, Disney XD, and Disney+ networks.

Responsibilities:

• There are several disciplines & areas of expertise in Transmission such as Video, RF, IP transport stream analysis, affiliate reception issues, FCC compliance; becoming proficient with all tools and signal flows is required.
• Interacts with internal departments and outside service providers to plan for day-to-day live feed acquisition.
• Troubleshoots and resolves specific daily operational problems. Works closely with other Disney Entertainment / ESPN departments & outside business partners and recommends corrective actions where appropriate.
• Performs quality control and corrective action to improve products.
• Expected to fully comprehend applicable SOPs and subsequent workflows for assigned transmission areas of responsibilities.
• Comprehends the operational functionality of our Evertz IRM operating system, the true lifeblood of the Transmission team.
• Participates in interdepartmental meetings involving projects/issues affecting the Transmission department.
• Assists with special projects as assigned by department management.
• Provides general suggestions on modifying procedures and processes for more a streamlined workflow.
• Monitors network signals and takes diagnostic actions to correct transmission problems associated with contribution or distribution signals.
• Maintains knowledge of new technology and workflows to support various assignments.
• Complies fully with company and/or departmental SOPs and any other stated policies.
• Contributes to analysis or problem-solving measures needed to support the operation.
• Stays up to date on industry trends and “next gen” technology.
• Able to work a 24/7 schedule in a fast paced, high profile Technical Operations Center (TOC).

Basic Qualifications:

• Has awareness of digital distribution equipment used in audio and video satellite uplinks & downlinks for television broadcast transmission.
• Has awareness of MPEG-2, MPEG-4 & HEVC digital compression systems.
• Has awareness of encryption systems used for front-haul and back-haul transmission applications.
• Has basic knowledge of over-the-top streaming distribution.
• Has basic knowledge of RF-related test equipment.
• Has basic knowledge of IP-based transport (HLS, RTMP, SRT, unicast, multicast, etc.)
• Has basic knowledge of bonded cellular technology.
• Must have basic computer skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Is a modestly experienced technical individual contributor with good skills working in a 24x7 technical operation center (TOC).
• Demonstrates an understanding of signal measurement and procedures.
• Fundamental knowledge of MPEG-2, MPEG-4 & HEVC digital compression systems to support distribution for TWDC’s family of networks (ESPN, ABC, Freeform, Disney Channels, FX & Nat Geo.)
• Basic understanding of satellite, fiber &IP based transport (HLS, RTMP, SRT, unicast, multicast, etc.)
• Basic understanding of streaming technology & workflow associated with our digital offerings (ESPN+ / STAR+ / ESPN3 / TVE / ABC OTTO.)
• Must be adept at understanding routine information & demonstrate comprehension through operational accuracy.
• High School Diploma or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior Broadcasting experience, military experience within transmission, satellites, RF or related fields.

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