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Creative, Arts, & ExpressionStable

Media Programming Director

Mid-level

Also known as: Broadcast Content Manager, Broadcast Director, Broadcast Operations Director, Cable TV Program Director (Cable Television Program Director)

Creative, Arts, & ExpressionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Media Programming Director, you shape what audiences hear and see on radio or TV. You manage teams, coordinating schedules for shows, news, or sports, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Your day involves lots of communication—email, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings—where speaking, listening, and critical thinking are key. You'll work indoors, needing to be exact and accurate while constantly learning and monitoring trends to create engaging content. This role suits someone who loves media, enjoys leading, and thrives on strategic planning.
Media ProgrammingBroadcast MediaTelevision ProductionRadio BroadcastingCommunicationArts ManagementLeadershipCreativeMediaEntertainment

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe AcrobatAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe PhotoshopFacebookGoogle AnalyticsHypertext markup language HTMLMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordTikTok
In-demand software
Google AnalyticsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointTikTok

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+4%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

12,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

181,000

in 2025 → 188,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career is stable, with about 12,100 job openings expected each year through 2035. The field is projected to grow by 4.0% over the next decade. Media Programming Directors earn a median annual wage of around $90,360 and can advance into senior management or executive producer roles within broadcasting.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Radio/TV Announcer
  • Production Assistant
  • Program Coordinator

Where it can lead

  • Station Manager
  • VP of Programming
  • Executive Producer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate routine scheduling tasks, audience analytics, and content recommendation, freeing Media Programming Directors to focus on creative strategy and high-level decision-making. AI tools could also assist in optimizing program placement for maximum viewership and ad revenue. However, the need for human judgment in creative direction and sensitive content curation will remain critical.

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Salary

$90,360

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Radio and Television

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General

Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years

Mass Communication/Media Studies

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

Media & Communications

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

Broadcast Journalism

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

Film/Cinema/Media Studies

Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years

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