SBE Chapter 36 welcomes new member Mario Armstrong, who recently joined the engineering staff at KPBS. We asked a few questions and he responded:

Where do you work and what do you do there? 

I’m currently a Broadcast Engineer at KPBS, a role I transitioned into after working in operations.

How did you make the transition from operations?

I didn’t start with a background in broadcast engineering, but my technical skills came from setting up PA systems for KPBS as a freelancer after college, and climbing the operations ladder at KGTV from stage manager to weekend director. I also gained hands-on experience working as a grip and gaffer for local commercial productions, which helped me get comfortable on commercial sets.

My real introduction to broadcast engineering came in late 2019 when I officially stepped into the field. The pandemic became my “soft launch” into this world, and it was a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Tell us about your greatest accomplishment to date. 

One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been the installation, wiring, and commissioning of a new control room automation system for KGTV. It was my first huge project and it taught me a ton about broadcast engineering. Also, that project showed me just how much I love working in rack rooms—there’s something satisfying about being in that cold, noisy space, running cables all over the place. It’s both art and chaos at the same time.

Why did you join the SBE? 

My reason for joining SBE is to meet and create relationships with the many great engineers in town, and to hopefully learn from them. If any of you need help with any personal projects I would love to help.

Has anyone special helped you along the way?

I would have to say my former DOE Josh Moran, and former coworker Justino Berrun both taught me what I know. Tino and I worked very closely on the new KGTV control room automation system and his tutelage is a major reason I was able to pull it off. Josh trusted me and gave me numerous projects that encouraged me to step up the plate as a broadcast engineer. I also have to thank Andrew Moore, former KGTV Chief Engineer, who gave me a shot even though I had no broadcast engineering experience.

What else might we be surprised to learn about you? 

During my free time I am either tinkering with my 3D printer, riding bikes with my wife and dogs, or practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.