Master Control

Master control is the technical hub of a broadcast operation common among most over-the-air television stations and television networks. It is distinct from a production control room (PCR) in television studios where the activities such as switching from camera to camera are coordinated. A transmission control room (MCR) is usually smaller in size and is a scaled down version of centralcasting.

Master control is the final point before a signal is transmitted over-the-air for terrestrial television or cablecast, satellite provider for broadcast, or sent on to a cable television operator. Television master control rooms include banks of video monitors, satellite receivers, videotape machines, video servers, transmission equipment, and, more recently, computer broadcast automation equipment for recording and playback of television programming.

Master control is generally staffed with one or two Master Control Operators around-the-clock, every day to ensure continuous operation. Master control operators are responsible for monitoring the quality and accuracy of the on-air product, ensuring the transmission meets government regulations, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and preparing programming for playout. Regulations include both technical ones (such as those against over-modulation and dead air), as well as content ones (such as indecency and station ID).

Many television networks and radio networks or station groups have consolidated facilities and now operate multiple stations from one regional master control or centralcasting center. As an example of this centralized broadcast programming system on a large scale is NBC's "hub-spoke project" that enables "hub" cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida to originate television commercial, breaks and programming for many of its smaller individual stations, thus reducing or eliminating some responsibilities and employees of the local master control at NBC owned & operated (O&O) stations.

Outside of the United States, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) manages four radio networks, two broadcast television networks, and several more cable/satellite radio and television services out of just two master control points (English language services at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre and French language at Maison Radio-Canada). Many other national broadcasters have taken a similar approach (although the CBC's operation is arguably more complicated than most, with local breakaways on radio and local advertisements on television).