The million dollar question facing broadcasters today….

“Do you know an engineer looking for work?”

We know that radio engineers are a scarce resource. It’s a challenging, demanding role that gets a few pats on the back when everything runs smoothly but plenty of complaints when things go wrong. They receive 3 a.m. calls when a station is off the air, and they’re typically not given all the tools they need due to budget constraints. Consistently undervalued and underpaid, it’s no wonder that radio engineers are becoming increasingly rare.

Today, the smart, technically inclined young professionals who could excel as radio engineers are often drawn to other fields that pay significantly better and offer more predictable hours. The few great engineers who remain know their worth and can command higher salaries than many radio groups are prepared to pay. Because of this, many stations are exploring remote engineering options, setting up local operations to be managed off-site by reliable professionals, often based across the country. This approach has grown feasible thanks to technological advances, enabling one engineer to handle multiple stations remotely.

Remote engineering has clear benefits, starting with the monthly savings compared to a full-time, on-site engineer. With 24/7/365 monitoring, remote engineers can catch issues before they cause failures and quickly troubleshoot unexpected problems. Remote setups can also reduce failures overall since stations typically invest in newer, more reliable equipment for this arrangement.

However, remote engineering does require an upfront investment. Stations considering this model often need to spend between $75,000 and $150,000 per station, depending on the age and condition of their current equipment and software. Everything—from automation systems to computers, consoles, processors, codecs, and transmitters—must be remotely monitorable and controllable. The only option for stations with outdated systems may be to keep paying someone to manage and maintain these aging setups on-site if they want consistent on-air reliability.

Another downside to remote engineering is the need for some level of local technical support. Even with remote engineers handling significant projects, someone in or near the station still needs to conduct occasional maintenance and be able to follow instructions during emergencies. While new equipment may reduce the frequency of on-site maintenance, the need for a local backup is still present.

If your station is exploring engineering options or considering a shift to remote services, Radio Resources is here to help. Our team understands the evolving needs of radio engineering and can provide the support and guidance you need to stay on air reliably, whether locally or through remote solutions. Let us help bridge the gap and keep your station running smoothly.