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Media Programming Directors

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $90,360/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$45,780$198,540

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +4.9% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 12,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
SpeakingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionTime ManagementCoordinationActive ListeningMonitoringActive LearningManagement of Personnel Resources
Top knowledge areas
Communications and MediaComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementTelecommunicationsCustomer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingEngineering and Technology
Core 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Media Programming Directors?

The median pay for Media Programming Directors is $90,360 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Media Programming Directors?

Employment for Media Programming Directors is projected to change +4.9% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Media Programming Directors?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Media Programming Directors?

About 12,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.