Cable System Operators

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association says that the cable industry directly and indirectly accounts for more than a million jobs in the United States.  The association adds that cable operators and their direct suppliers have created upwards of 137,000 U.S. jobs since 1990. Careers in the cable industry include jobs with local cable systems, multiple system operators (MSOs) and cable networks. Cable systems hire people for management, technical, administrative, marketing, public relations and production jobs. Multiple system operators, which are corporate and regional businesses that own and run more than one cable system, provide support services to local cable systems. Departments at MSOs include corporate engineering, operations management, sales and marketing, public affairs, human resources, finance and legal. Cable programming networks need employees with technical know-how as well as creative people. Job categories at cable networks include management, programming, legal, communications and sales.

At least so far, Americans have not been cutting back on cable TV subscriptions during the recession. Many people seem to consider high-speed Internet and cable television essential even during tough times. Cable networks, however, have struggled during the economic downturn as advertising revenue has fallen. For example, in late 2008 Viacom -- which owns MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon and other cable stations -- announced plans to lay off large numbers of employees. In the long run, things look slightly better for broadcasters. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in radio and television broadcasting to increase approximately 9 percent between 2006 and 2016.