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.
Also called: Broadcast Content Manager · News Director · Newscast Director · Production Director · Program Coordinator · Program Director (PD)
Median pay (national)
$83,480
$43,060–$198,530 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
145,270
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.9%
~12,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for media programming directors shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $198,530 versus $43,060 at the bottom 10% — 4.6x. The median of $83,480 leaves roughly 138% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.9% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 12,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $122,150, +46% vs the national median), while West Virginia sits lowest at $39,150 — a 212% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Perform personnel duties, such as hiring staff and evaluating work performance.
- Establish work schedules and assign work to staff members.
- Select, acquire, and maintain programs, music, films, and other needed materials and obtain legal clearances for their use as necessary.
- Evaluate new and existing programming to assess suitability and the need for changes, using information such as audience surveys and feedback.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Google Analytics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- TikTok
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Applicant tracking software
- Avid Technology iNEWS
- Broadcast Electronics AudioVAULT FleX
- Content management systems CMS
- FileMaker Pro
Knowledge areas
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Engineering and Technology