As an amateur musician I have learned that the best way to improve my playing is to perform with musicians that are better than I am. Getting out of my comfort zone allows me to expand my musical knowledge and become a better musician. The same is true of my experience participating in broadcast standards committees. Having a strong background in business systems and some master control experience, I had joined the SMPTE BXF standards committee; a group created to improve broadcast software system integrations. I quickly realized that up until that point, that I had given little thought to the issues facing metadata, essence, and the processes necessary to get content ready for air.

It was at my first standards meeting that I found myself struggling to understand most of what was being discussed. It took some time listening to the many discussions (and asking a lot of questions) before I got a handle on the issues being debated and began actively participating.

I faced similar challenges when I joined the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA). After learning the new terminology and concepts, I not only began contributing, but started designing custom workflows for broadcasters.

Creating a standard that crosses broadcast operational silos requires input from experts in all areas involved - including multiple vendors in each area. Standards committees need to have participants from a broad range of backgrounds to reduce the risk of limitations within the broadcast community. All participants must listen to each other to create a standard that will work for all systems and be widely accepted.

To be in the know is to get out of your comfort zone and learn about new areas of the broadcast business. Joining standards groups will not only help to shape the entire industry, but will also advance your professional growth as you make new business contacts and expand your knowledge. Like any musician, it's difficult to become a great proficient without the help of a mentor and lots of practice!