How to become a Media Programming Director
Official title: Media Programming Directors
Also called: Broadcast Content Manager, News Director, Newscast Director, Production Director, Program Coordinator, Program Director (PD), Program Manager, Programming Director, Station Manager, TV Program Director (Television Program Director)
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Main tasks
- 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.
How to become one
Producers and directors typically need a bachelor's degree. They also typically need several years of experience working on set in film, TV, stage, or other productions in positions such as actors, film and video editors, or cinematographers or in related occupations, such as theater managers.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 31 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $90,360 a year The middle half earn $62,670 to $134,800.
- About 181,000 people work in this job now, and about 188,300 are projected by 2035. (+4%)
- People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Media Programming Director?
Producers and directors typically need a bachelor's degree. They also typically need several years of experience working on set in film, TV, stage, or other productions in positions such as actors, film and video editors, or cinematographers or in related occupations, such as theater managers.
How much does a Media Programming Director earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $90,360 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $62,670 to $134,800.
Is a Media Programming Director a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 181,000 to about 188,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Media Programming Director?
Usually. 75% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Media Programming Director?
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.