Someone You Should Know: Jim Starzynski

Posted on July 28, 2026 in ATSC News

Jim Starzynski has been at the forefront of advancing broadcast audio, helping shape some of the industry’s most significant technical achievements while ensuring viewers enjoy the highest-quality listening experience. As Director and Principal Audio Engineer at NBCUniversal, Jim brings together deep technical expertise, practical problem-solving and a passion for collaboration that has made him a respected leader in the broadcast industry.

No two days on the job are the same. Jim’s priorities are driven by whatever is happening in real time. While on-air issues take precedence, like troubleshooting content or distribution with engineering teams and evaluating sports broadcasts, commercial advertising, and audio description services and more, they are only one part of a broader role. He also contributes to next-generation television initiatives, including broadcast applications and personalized audio experiences, and focusses on everything from designing new monitoring systems to documenting and presenting technical innovations and collaborating with equipment vendors. Alongside his responsibilities at NBCUniversal, Jim also prepares agendas for and chairs ATSC, CTA and AES audio committee meetings.

Jim’s involvement with ATSC 3.0 dates to 2013, when he was asked to chair the ATSC group responsible for audio. After years of success leading industry efforts on audio loudness, the A/85 Recommended Practice and work supporting the CALM Act, the opportunity to help define the next generation of broadcast audio was both exciting and daunting.

“I understood this new work might be the most challenging of the many ATSC 3.0 development groups,” he says. “Time proved that to be true. It was rewarding, technically enriching and a great opportunity for improving my leadership and influencing skills.”

Today, Jim continues to serve as chair of Specialist Group S42, a role that began in 2007 when he was asked to lead development of the A/85 Recommended Practice on loudness. Looking back, he’s proud of what that work has accomplished. “One law, one Emmy, one new standard and 19 years later, I still hold that chairmanship privilege,” he says. “It’s as gratifying today as it was back then.”

Jim with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo after the signing of the CALM

When asked what excites him most about the future of ATSC 3.0, Jim’s answer comes without hesitation. “Being a part of the ATSC collective that produced such a magnificent technical achievement, then witnessing the tangible results experienced by millions, is intensely satisfying but also humbling. Seeing and hearing all our work and what it brings to the audience is more meaningful than I could ever explain here.”

Outside the office, Jim and his wife Suzanne, a retired Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, split their time between their home in Holmdel, New Jersey – just a short walk from the historic Bell Labs “Big Bang” Horn Antenna – and their vacation home in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Whether they’re enjoying the beach, boating or spending time with family and friends, those moments away from work are among Jim’s favorites.

Another lifelong passion is home theater, a hobby that traces back to his teenage years as a hi-fi salesperson at Lafayette Radio in the 1970s. His enthusiasm for great sound clearly extends well beyond the workplace.

Jim’s reading list is as eclectic as his interests. He regularly enjoys BoatUS Magazine, reads about his favorite bands and, increasingly, explores new topics with the help of ChatGPT for everything from work and troubleshooting to purchases and personal interests.

Jim and his wife Suzie boating on The Navesink River in Monmouth County NJ

When it’s time to relax, you’ll often find Jim watching a remastered episode of the original Star Trek series. “Being the geek that I am,” he says, “a weekly Star Trek TOS episode is an appointment event but only if it’s been remastered for the best picture and sound!”

At the wheel of Starship boat

Although he once considered a career with the New Jersey State Police’s Marine Services Bureau, Jim ultimately followed his passion for audio, media and electronics, a decision that led to an extraordinarily fullfilling career at NBCUniversal and a lasting impact on the broadcast industry.

For ATSC members and colleagues alike, Jim’s commitment to technical excellence, thoughtful leadership and dedication to improving the audience experience continues to make a difference every day.

Posted in ATSC News