Media Technician

We have a great opportunity to join our Technical Operations team at Hearst Networks EMEA in London.

Responsible for handling all forms of media in and out of the company, we are looking for a proactive and diligent member to add to our team. Content receipt, ingest, QC, metadata validation, and delivery all fall into the remit of the Technical Operations team.

As a Media Technician, you'll play a critical role in making sure the content we receive is analysed and processed in a timely manner ensuring any issues are flagged.

You'll be responsible for processing received media through our internal workflows and out to TX platforms. The role involves daily ingest, QC, metadata management and delivery. QC will also be required on content where English is not the primary language.

You will have a good understanding of file formats, be technically adept, and ensure content adheres to Hearst Networks EMEA technical specifications before throughput. You will work proficiently with our automated cloud-based Content Supply Chain (CSC) model leveraging AWS storage and services. You will handle both longform and shortform and deliver out for VOD and linear transmission requirements across EMEA.

This position will liaise regularly with the Content Operations and Technology teams and is expected to provide exceptional service levels, helping to resolve any daily operational and technological challenges as they arise. You will be able to work collaboratively, be conscientious, and show good communication skills and initiative.

As well as having a passion for TV, it’s equally important that you enjoy working with systems, are able to troubleshoot, and optimise our processes for operational efficiency. A keen interest in both quality control and technical workflows is required as you are not only responsible for checking incoming media, but also for flagging system operational issues.

Strong teamwork, technical expertise, time management skills and initiative will help you to thrive in this role. You will work closely and collaboratively within your immediate Technical Operations team, as well as with the wider Media Operations and Technology departments. We work efficiently and proactively to support all our channels and reach deadlines. This role reports into the Head of Technical Operations.

This is a permanent position. The position is hybrid based in the London office (currently 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home). You will be working on exciting, award-winning brands like Sky HISTORY and Crime+Investigation.

Key responsibilities:

• Content Handling: Take receipt of longform and shortform media from suppliers. Download, upload / ingest to the Content Supply Chain System (CSC). Provide retrieval and ingest of any legacy content when required.

• Quality Assurance: Perform Manual QC on received media ensuring high technical quality according to standard EBU regulations and Hearst Networks EMEA technical specifications. Check the Automated QC flags against the content using the CSC processes.

• Technical Expertise: Show your understanding of file formats, video and audio codecs and wrappers, automated and manual QC systems, automated and manual QC issues terminology, broadcast terminology, EBU and Ofcom regulations. You will have or be willing to develop a keen understanding of cloud storage and services with AWS.

• Content Delivery: Deliver longform and shortform transmission materials to all our playout providers across EMEA. Deliver any longform and shortform to third party partners when required.

• Issue Identification: Use internal ticketing system to log any QC fails or technical issues with content that may require escalation and re-delivery.

• Problem Solving: Provide routine checks on content process in the automated CSC, check any technical issues discovered with internal processes and troubleshoot as required. Provide escalation to our Technology dept. Update metadata against existing assets within the CSC system when required to enrich the content archived in it.

• Contact Liaison: Act as first point of contact for any technical content related issues or queries from playout and service providers. Troubleshoot or escalate accordingly.

• Team Communication: Respond to emails and email requests as they arise in a timely and manner, responding in a professional and courteous tone.

• Organisation Skills: Consistently contribute to the organisation of the department mailbox throughout the day. Ensure emails related to the role are arranged and archived as required.

• Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Prepare and deliver handovers to all members of the Technical Operations team when required that fully conveys any work outstanding. Liaise daily with team members for any queries, to proactively assist with tasks or request assistance if needed.

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Complete any screener creation and/or content delivery requests submitted to the Technical Operations department, ensuring that these requests are actioned in a timely manner.

• Operational Expertise: Show an understanding of how our end-to-end Content Supply Chain works, including data inputs to the system and storage platforms leveraged for the content. Develop an understanding the impact the role has on the wider Media Operations team and other departments.

• Training & Support: Assist with support and training for any new freelancers

• Any other ad-hoc tasks deemed appropriate to the role.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following key competencies:

• Deciding and Initiating Action

• Working with People

• Applying Expertise and Knowledge / Technology

• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations

• Adapting and Responding to Change

We are also looking for someone who:

• Works proficiently as a team member on solo tasks and is quick to attend to and resolve any issues that might arise autonomously.

• Can work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with a clear ability to manage time, multiple deadlines and workload independently.

• Is detail-oriented and ensures accuracy and efficiency when undertaking QC tasks.

• Is proactive and self-motivated with a great team-spirit.

• Takes ownership of tasks and ensures smooth execution.

• Is a problem-solver who can troubleshoot effectively and improve workflows.

Minimum Skills / Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of various media formats

• Detailed knowledge of technical QC standards

• Knowledge of AQC software and AQC requirements for EBU and Ofcom regulations, including the importance of adhering to loudness, gamut and PSE parameters.

• Knowledge of ingest / digitising media using broadcast tools

• Good knowledge of data and metadata and the importance it plays in system-to-system integration and successful file transfer

• Good communication skills to liaise with other departments and convey information clearly

• Good problem-solving skills

• Good use of time management in order to complete tasks and achieve objectives

• Experience of working within a Broadcast Operations role

• Demonstrable ability to complete work to high standards, with attention to detail.

• Proven experience in a fast-paced digital asset environment

• Highly organised, self-motivated with excellent initiative

• Embraces technological change

• Proactive nature

• Willing to learn

• Ability to form good working relationships

Desirable Skills / Knowledge:

• Experience using Content Supply Chain or Media Asset Management systems

• Experience using Adobe Premier Pro

• Understanding of AWS storage tiers, services and cost consumption

• Understanding and experience of other media storage / hosting

About Us

At Hearst Networks EMEA, we share stories that matter, inspiring and exciting our audiences with hit US franchises (The Curse of Oak Island, Pawn Stars), must-see docudramas (Royal Kill List and Colosseum), and original commissions (Sex: A Bonkers History with Amanda Holden, Royal Autopsy, Cops Gone Bad with Will Mellor). Over the past few years, we’ve championed our own original programming and relished in the successes of recent series’ such as The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd, Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman, The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Royal Mob.

We welcome talented candidates with infectious enthusiasm and creativity, who love what they do, and are ready to learn, develop and thrive. Here you’ll find a community of innovative, collaborative and inspiring people who aren’t afraid to embrace responsibility and try new things together, as a team.

We are a certified Great Place to Work® with a motivated and supportive culture that believes in working to live, not just living to work. Every employee has a voice and is encouraged to be themselves and be ambitious. With offices in Rome, Madrid, London, Warsaw, Munich and Johannesburg, we are a truly international organisation that celebrates difference and diversity.

As an inclusive employer, we value the diversity of our teams and want our workforce to reflect our wider society. We encourage and welcome applications from people from under-represented backgrounds and are keen to make sure we are inclusive and accessible to all. Please do let us know if you require any adjustments or assistance for meetings and communications with you when you apply for a role with us.

Hearst Networks EMEA Values

Curiosity is what drives us to question, explore, and innovate. We approach challenges with an open mind, ready to grow and evolve as the world changes around us. When we stay curious, we keep learning, discovering fresh opportunities, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Courage is showing up as your true self, with confidence and heart, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. It’s about owning our choices, stepping beyond our comfort zone, and creating new paths and opportunities to explore for both our company and yourself.

Care is part of everything we do - how we treat each other, approach our work, connect with our partners and the world. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels included, respected, and truly supported. By acting with care, we nurture trust within our teams, building meaningful relationships throughout our company.