Occupation · SOC 27-2012.03
Media Programming Directors
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Median wage
$83,480
$43,060–$198,530
Projected growth
+4.9%
Average growth
Annual openings
830
per year
Employed (US)
145,270
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
930 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingTime ManagementCoordinationActive ListeningMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Communications and MediaComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementTelecommunications
Technology & tools
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareVideo creation and editing softwareHuman resources softwareMusic or sound editing software
Representative tasks
Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCRead news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duti
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
On-air and production audio equipment — operate and maintain under direct supervision in a broadcast facility following established technical protocols.Program log entries — review for basic accuracy and flag potential FCC compliance discrepancies to a supervising director.Promotional and public service announcements — read and record on-air following scripted copy under close editorial guidance.Broadcast scheduling software — navigate and input programming data into station databases with oversight from senior staff.Programming guidelines and broadcast standards — identify and apply foundational rules when monitoring scheduled content during live shifts.Copy preparation tasks — assist in writing and editing basic broadcast copy for review and approval before air.Interdepartmental communications — relay information between news and programming teams as directed by a supervising manager.Music or sound editing software — perform entry-level audio edits on recorded segments under the guidance of an experienced producer.Staff schedules and personnel records — support administrative tasks related to hiring and performance documentation using HR software.Audience and market information — gather and summarize basic ratings or listener data to assist senior programmers in decision-making.
developing
On-air audio equipment and production systems — operate and troubleshoot with routine proficiency during live and pre-recorded broadcast sessions.Completed program logs — audit for FCC compliance and resolve common inaccuracies independently, escalating complex regulatory issues as needed.News and promotional content — read, voice, and deliver on-air material with consistent clarity and adherence to station style guidelines.Programming team activities — coordinate daily workflows and assignments for production personnel with reduced managerial oversight.Broadcast schedules and content quality — monitor live and recorded programming to confirm schedule adherence and acceptable performance standards.Broadcast copy and edited tape — prepare and finalize material for air with proficient use of video creation and audio editing software.Cross-departmental coordination — facilitate communication and task alignment between news, production, and programming departments on routine projects.Candidate interviews and performance evaluations — conduct under established HR frameworks to support staff hiring and development goals.Social perceptiveness and active listening — apply to interpret stakeholder feedback and adjust programming approaches in familiar operational contexts.Web and electronic publishing tools — use content management and web editing software to update digital programming assets with moderate independence.
proficient
Complex audio and production equipment — diagnose, maintain, and optimize performance across a full broadcast operation without technical supervision.FCC rules and regulatory compliance — autonomously evaluate program logs, resolve nuanced violations, and implement corrective procedures station-wide.On-air performance and editorial voice — deliver and direct high-quality news, announcements, and live content that reflects the station's brand identity.Programming staff and broadcast teams — direct and coordinate all personnel activities across news, sports, and entertainment programming divisions.Full programming schedule and quality standards — continuously monitor content across platforms, handling non-routine performance or compliance issues decisively.Broadcast copy and multimedia content — develop, edit, and produce polished material using advanced video, audio, and graphics software for multi-platform distribution.Interdepartmental strategic alignment — lead coordination efforts across news, programming, sales, and engineering to ensure cohesive operational execution.Personnel management cycle — independently oversee hiring, performance appraisal, coaching, and disciplinary processes for a full programming department.Complex programming problems — apply systems analysis and deductive reasoning to diagnose scheduling conflicts, audience trends, and competitive gaps.Negotiation and vendor relationships — independently manage content licensing, syndication agreements, and supplier contracts to optimize programming resources.
advanced
Station programming vision and strategy — define long-range content direction and competitive positioning across all broadcast and digital channels at the executive level.FCC compliance frameworks and regulatory policy — establish organization-wide standards, audit systems, and staff training programs to ensure sustained regulatory integrity.Organizational talent pipeline — lead recruitment, succession planning, and performance culture initiatives that build a high-performing programming division.Cross-functional leadership — set priorities and direct collaboration among programming, news, marketing, engineering, and sales executives to achieve unified strategic outcomes.Content quality and brand standards — institute evaluation frameworks and editorial guidelines that define the station's audience experience across all programming formats.Emerging media technologies and platforms — assess and integrate new broadcast, streaming, and web platform development tools to future-proof programming operations.Industry relationships and partnerships — cultivate and negotiate high-value content, syndication, and affiliate agreements that expand the station's reach and revenue.Organizational systems and workflow design — architect department structures, scheduling systems, and production workflows that maximize efficiency at scale.Market and audience intelligence — commission and interpret analytical data to drive evidence-based programming decisions and demonstrate ROI to executive stakeholders.Industry thought leadership and innovation — champion new programming models, mentor emerging leaders, and represent the organization's editorial voice in industry forums.
Also known as
33 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
News DirectorMedia Relations DirectorDirector, ProgramMedia CoordinatorProgram Director, Cable TelevisionDirector, NewsTV Program Director (Television Program Director)Programming DirectorProduction DirectorDigital Media DirectorDirector, Educational ProgrammingProgram Director (PD)Media Strategy DirectorEducational Programming DirectorMedia DirectorEntertainment DirectorSports DirectorProgram CoordinatorBroadcast Content ManagerProgram ManagerMedia Planning DirectorDirector, Operations, BroadcastPaid Media DirectorPublic Service DirectorNewscast DirectorDirector, Public ServiceBroadcast Operations DirectorDirector, SportsCable TV Program Director (Cable Television Program Director)Broadcast DirectorStation ManagerProgram SupervisorPaid Media Manager