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Machine Shorthand Reporter

Also known as Stenograph Reporter.

Machine shorthand reporters produce word-for-word transcripts of the spoken word in both live and recorded form for parliament, courts of law, medical purposes, television programmes, business conferences and lectures.

Sound recording involves three stages: first, monitors record the proceedings using a digital audio recording system; then machine shorthand reporters transcribe the digital audio file onto a computer; and finally transcript checkers edit the hard copy of the transcript for accuracy against the audio.

Machine shorthand reporters who produce transcripts in real time need a shorthand speed of at least 200 words per minute.

Court recorders and court reporters usually work during court hours. Hansard (parliament) reporters work long, irregular hours.

Captioners work shifts to cover television programming at the originating television station's premises or from home.

Computer assisted real-time (CART) reporters work in different locations, such as courtrooms, university campuses, or at conferences.

TASKS

Machine shorthand reporters may perform the following tasks:

operate and monitor sound recording equipment
list the speakers in court proceedings and log major events
record proceedings from digital audio recordings using a computer or electronic shorthand machine
use computer-aided transcription (CAT), which translates the shorthand recorded by the electronic shorthand machine onto a computer screen, enabling transcription in real time
produce captions for television programmes
research terminology used
edit transcripts for syntax and grammar
read back portions of notes or replay a recording on request

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good hearing and concentration
fast and accurate machine-writing 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

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Computer Assisted Real-Time (CART) Reporter - provides a word- to-text service for the deaf and hearing-impaired, usually in a meeting or university lecture environment. These words are projected onto a laptop or a larger screen via a data projector. Real-time reporting is also used in the courts, as well as Hansard and business environments to provide instantaneous translation.

Court Reporter - uses computer-aided transcription (CAT) technology to provide transcripts to courts and tribunals. These transcripts are displayed instantly on computers in the hearing room or to computers anywhere in the world via the internet.

Court Recorder - using digital equipment, 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 notes of the main events are taken.

Hansard Reporter - records the daily proceedings in the chambers of state, territory and federal parliaments, and in their committees and ministerial conferences.

Captioner - produces online captions (or subtitles) of spoken word, environmental sounds (laughter, for example) and song lyrics in real time for television programming using an electronic shorthand machine and computer-aided transcription software. The transcription (in captions) then becomes part of the television broadcast.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To work as a machine shorthand reporter using an electronic shorthand machine you usually have to write at high speeds and complete a course in machine shorthand. Once you are employed you will receive training in specific procedures.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Machine shorthand reporters often work for the state, territory and federal governments.

Some machine shorthand reporters work for private contracting firms or are self-employed. As well as general audio typing and stenographic work, they may find jobs reporting the proceedings at tribunals, conventions, conferences and in medical services.