Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Media Programming Directors
Also called: Broadcast Content Manager, News Director, Newscast Director, Production Director
US median pay
$90,360
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
12,100
181,000 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
What they do day to day
- Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.
- Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.
- Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming.
- Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.
- Prepare copy and edit tape so that material is ready for broadcasting.
- Coordinate activities between departments, such as news and programming.
- Perform personnel duties, such as hiring staff and evaluating work performance.
- Establish work schedules and assign work to staff members.
- Develop promotions for current programs and specials.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making4.1/5
- Time Management4.0/5
- Coordination4.0/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Negotiation3.6/5
- Systems Evaluation3.2/5
Knowledge
- Communications and Media4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Administration and Management3.9/5
- Telecommunications3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree52%
- High school diploma31%
- Some college15%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.