Whether you’re ready to advance your career to the next level or just getting started in broadcasting, the program director position is an excellent choice for those aiming for a challenging, senior-level position in broadcast media.
Working closely with producers and directors, the program director uses camera and mic placement, lighting, sound, and video effects to create the highest quality, most compelling audio and visual experience possible.
Backed by deep experience, exceptional interpersonal skills, and knowledge, the program director oversees all technical aspects of light and sound direction to make it all happen.
Program directors are part of a team that informs, educates and inspires the local community.
In the studio and in the field, on the nightly news and Friday Night Lights, at the scene of the crime and the big unveiling, program directors are there to deliver crystal-clear sound and video to their audiences.
Preparation
There are many things you can do now to start preparing for this exciting broadcast media career.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as broadcasting, media production, or engineering is a great start. Be sure to take advantage of opportunities to work at your school newspaper, radio, or television station!
You will need to have a firm knowledge of technical equipment and software. Be sure to cultivate a detailed knowledge of video transmission displays and projection techniques. Some employers may also require certification in audio or video production.
There’s no substitute for experience, and you’ll need a lot to land this important position. Internships are a great way to diversify your job knowledge. Be prepared to start in an entry-level position and practice in several roles before landing your dream job as a technical director in broadcast media.
Do you have what it takes?
Developing these five areas will be important in your pursuit of a career as a broadcast TV or radio program director. You can exercise these muscles at work, while volunteering, at school, and in your personal life.
Continually develop your ability to work well under pressure: Your composure and ability to lead with confidence will be important, as will being comfortable with competing high-priority projects, and making difficult decisions.
Excellent communication skills are key in this role: You’ll be working with both technical and non-technical personnel at various levels, so look for experiences that challenge you to become a better communicator and leader.
It takes meticulous attention to detail to achieve and maintain high quality: Get plenty of practice in a variety of circumstances to become skilled at spotting areas for improvement.
A mind for creative problem solving is a must: You’ll be called upon to bring the broadcast to life in a variety of challenging and unpredictable situations.
Passion for the industry may be most important: A career in broadcast media is more than a job, it’s a way of life. It’s not your typical 9-5 workday gig or an easy paycheck. But if you’re passionate about informing, entertaining, and connecting with the local community, it is absolutely worthwhile.
Whether you’re ready to advance your career to the next level or just getting started in broadcasting, the program director position is an excellent choice for those aiming for a challenging, senior-level position in broadcast media.
Working closely with producers and directors, the program director uses camera and mic placement, lighting, sound, and video effects to create the highest quality, most compelling audio and visual experience possible.
Backed by deep experience, exceptional interpersonal skills, and knowledge, the program director oversees all technical aspects of light and sound direction to make it all happen.
Program directors are part of a team that informs, educates and inspires the local community.
In the studio and in the field, on the nightly news and Friday Night Lights, at the scene of the crime and the big unveiling, program directors are there to deliver crystal-clear sound and video to their audiences.
PREPARATION
There are many things you can do now to start preparing for this exciting broadcast media career.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as broadcasting, media production, or engineering is a great start. Be sure to take advantage of opportunities to work at your school newspaper, radio, or television station!
You will need to have a firm knowledge of technical equipment and software. Be sure to cultivate a detailed knowledge of video transmission displays and projection techniques. Some employers may also require certification in audio or video production.
There’s no substitute for experience, and you’ll need a lot to land this important position. Internships are a great way to diversify your job knowledge. Be prepared to start in an entry-level position and practice in several roles before landing your dream job as a technical director in broadcast media.
Do you have
what it takes?
Developing these five areas will be important in your pursuit of a career as a broadcast TV or radio program director. You can exercise these muscles at work, while volunteering, at school, and in your personal life.
Continually develop your ability to work well under pressure: Your composure and ability to lead with confidence will be important, as will being comfortable with competing high-priority projects, and making difficult decisions.
Excellent communication skills are key in this role: You’ll be working with both technical and non-technical personnel at various levels, so look for experiences that challenge you to become a better communicator and leader.
It takes meticulous attention to detail to achieve and maintain high quality: Get plenty of practice in a variety of circumstances to become skilled at spotting areas for improvement.
A mind for creative problem solving is a must: You’ll be called upon to bring the broadcast to life in a variety of challenging and unpredictable situations.
Passion for the industry may be most important: A career in broadcast media is more than a job, it’s a way of life. It’s not your typical 9-5 workday gig or an easy paycheck. But if you’re passionate about informing, entertaining, and connecting with the local community, it is absolutely worthwhile.
A Typical Day
As a program director, you’ll work to secure and organize the resources needed for all productions. Working with others toward a well-executed goal, you’ll collect video and audio clips, manage connectivity for in-bound and out-bound feeds, and determine studio set configuration.
You’ll also plan and execute lighting, audio, make-up, and other technical aspects of a quality, well-supported broadcast.
You’ll draft concepts and identify the necessary technical equipment for each production. You’ll maintain a system for providing technical support to efficiently manage tasks. You’ll monitor audio, mixing and recording, stage rigging, engineering, and the installation of technical equipment.
A Typical Day
As a program director, you’ll work to secure and organize the resources needed for all productions. Working with others toward a well-executed goal, you’ll collect video and audio clips, manage connectivity for in-bound and out-bound feeds, and determine studio set configuration.
You’ll also plan and execute lighting, audio, make-up, and other technical aspects of a quality, well-supported broadcast.
You’ll draft concepts and identify the necessary technical equipment for each production. You’ll maintain a system for providing technical support to efficiently manage tasks. You’ll monitor audio, mixing and recording, stage rigging, engineering, and the installation of technical equipment.
A TEAM EFFORT
Comradery and teamwork are a big piece of the broadcast media experience.
There’s a lot going on and it takes many people with many talents all working together in synchrony to bring everything to life. You’ll experience much together. Trust one another. Lift each other up. Achieve and celebrate together.
Of course, there are other perks of being part of the team. Only a handful of people are in front of the mic, but there are countless others making it happen. As part of the broadcast media family, you’ll join your colleagues at concerts and sporting events. You’ll encounter the arts, meet interesting people, and go on new adventures. Plus, a press pass is a beautiful thing.
Is your future as a program director as crystal clear as your local broadcast?
Come join us.
A TEAM EFFORT
Comradery and teamwork are a big piece of the broadcast media experience.
There’s a lot going on and it takes many people with many talents all working together in synchrony to bring everything to life. You’ll experience much together. Trust one another. Lift each other up. Achieve and celebrate together.
Of course, there are other perks of being part of the team. Only a handful of people are in front of the mic, but there are countless others making it happen. As part of the broadcast media family, you’ll join your colleagues at concerts and sporting events. You’ll encounter the arts, meet interesting people, and go on new adventures. Plus, a press pass is a beautiful thing.
Is your future as a program director as crystal clear as your local broadcast?
Come join us.