Transcript Typist
Transcript typists record the spoken word in parliament, courts of law and television broadcasts using a stenotype shorthand machine, computer or sound equipment.
Transcript typists may perform the following tasks:
- operate and monitor sound equipment which records all spoken words
- list the speakers in the court proceedings and log major events
- record proceedings using a Qwerty (computer) keyboard or a stenotype machine
- use computer-aided transcription (CAT) which translates the shorthand recorded by the stenotype machine onto a computer screen
- transcribe audio recordings onto computer
- research terminology used
- edit the transcript for syntax and grammar
- read back portions of notes or replay a recording on request.
Specialisations:
Captioner
A captioner reproduces the spoken word and environmental sounds as captions (also known as subtitles) for television programming, using a Qwerty keyboard. Captioners may produce captions for programming that is recorded prior to airing, or work with stenocaptioners to produce captions in real time for live programming.
Court Recorder
A court recorder records the proceedings at various courts of law (the Family, Civil, Criminal, Arbitration and Industrial Courts) or at Royal Commissions, enquiries and public hearings. Sound is recorded and log notes of the main events are taken.
Hansard Reporter
A Hansard reporter records the debates and daily proceedings in the chambers of state, territory and federal parliaments, and in their committees and ministerial conferences.
Real-time Reporter (Computer Assisted Real-Time)
A real-time reporter records the spoken word and environmental sounds (e.g. door slams) for the deaf and hearing impaired, usually in a meeting or university lecture environment. These words are projected onto a laptop or onto a larger screen via a data projector. Real-Time is also used in the courts, Hansard and business environments to provide instantaneous translation.
Stenocaptioner
A stenocaptioner records the spoken word, environmental sounds (e.g. laughter) and song lyrics for television programming using a stenotype machine. The translation (in captions) is projected onto the television screen.
Handwritten shorthand has been replaced by the stenotype machine or sound recording. All spoken words are recorded and checked either on paper or computer.
Sound recording involves three stages: first, monitors record the proceedings using a sound recording (audio) system; then audio typists transcribe the audio file/tape onto computers; and finally transcript checkers edit the hard copy. Audio typists need a minimum typing speed of 75 words per minute.
Court recorders and Hansard (parliament) reporters work in teams and take turns in reporting. Court recorders usually work during court hours. Hansard reporters work long, irregular hours. Reporters can advance to senior positions that involve editorial and administrative responsibilities.
Stenocaptioners and captioners work shifts to cover television programming, usually at the originating television station's premises. Real-Time (CART) reporters work in different locations, for example, a courtroom, university campus, boardroom or conference.
Machine shorthand reporters need a speed of at least 200 words per minute.
All kinds of reporting and some captioning work is conducted under considerable time constraints.
Personal Requirements:
- good hearing and concentration
- fast and accurate machine shorthand and/or keyboard skills
- able to work under pressure
- wide vocabulary, and sound knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation
- broad general knowledge, particularly in current affairs and politics
- interested in parliament and courts and their procedures
- comfortable with new technology
- able to recognise and quickly identify environmental sounds.
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