Playout Controller

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The Core responsibility of the Playout Controller is to manage the transmission of ‘Live’ complex events, as well as to provide schedule management, output monitoring and first line recovery for any Sky hosted channels.

The management of ‘live’ complex events includes, for example: broadcasts where the break structure is variable, the duration of the event is unpredictable or where the timings of two subsequent events may overlap.

Schedule management includes the preparation, checking and updating of automation schedules delivered into the area to ensure discrepancies are identified before the output is affected. It also includes the alteration of live automation schedules due to changing editorial or commercial requirements. For both the preparation and management of the automation schedules, a high degree of attention to detail and adherence to agreed process is necessary to avoid potential impact to the channel output.

Through monitoring of the channel outputs the Controller is responsible for the scheduled content being delivered to the distribution platforms without defect or degradation. Direct eyeball monitoring of the channel output is supported and enhanced through the use of automated fault detection and alarming which the Controller must be fully capable of interpreting and interrogating.

In the case of any fault or deviation from the required output it is the Controller’s responsibility to minimise impact to the viewing public either through restoration of service or by fault management. Knowledge of the playout infrastructure and agreed best practices for recovery are essential in performing this function effectively.

The Controller is skilled in the management of both server-based content and live content including complex live events.

The Controller will also be responsible for effective training of others, contributing to the integration of new systems and services. The Controller will prioritise incidents and escalate effectively, taking financial, reputational and stakeholder concerns into account.

What you’ll do

• Schedule Preparation – performing required manual and automated tasks on the playout schedules to identify potential errors and known faults and ensure readiness for broadcast

• Live schedule management – editing of live automation schedule to alter content or timings as required

• Live schedule monitoring – monitoring the output of channels to confirm and maintain fault-free playout

• Regulatory Knowledge – knowledge of Ofcom regulations and Sky policies

• Fault Identification – immediate identification of any loss or degradation of the channel outputs, as well as loss of encryption or PIN protection

• Fault recovery – use of system resilience or schedule editing to recover from channel loss or degradation

• Fault management – use of on-screen messages, voice-overs, or other messaging to keep customers informed when a fault is not immediately recoverable

• Escalation – efficient communication to 2nd line support teams and operational management

• Editorial Knowledge – knowledge of Sky’s programming and promotional strategies.

• Logging & Reporting – accurately recording any faults, changes, or other deviations from the originally scheduled content

• Information Management – accurately passing on information to colleagues or operational management to ensure channel continuity

• Communication – concise and accurate verbal and written communication, professional and courteous at all times

• Training – passing on knowledge and experience of workflows, systems and procedures as required . Structured training of others utilising established training materials as required

• Support – Provides support to the Playout Specialist and Operational Lead functions as required

• Complex Live Event Management – line-up, preparation and control of complex live events including negotiation with production teams when event durations are variable or overlapping

• Gallery Free Production – making any necessary editorial decisions to maintain channel continuity when communication with event source is incoming only World Feed

What you’ll bring

• Qualifications – d egree qualification or relevant vocati