Media Programming Directors

27-2012.03

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

Occupation-Specific Information

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.
• Establish work schedules and assign work to staff members.
• Develop promotions for current programs and specials.
• Plan and schedule programming and event coverage, based on broadcast length, time availability, and other factors, such as community needs, ratings data, and viewer demographics.
• Monitor network transmissions for advisories concerning daily program schedules, program content, special feeds, or program changes.
• Develop ideas for programs and features that a station could produce.
• 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.
• Conduct interviews for broadcasts.
• Confer with directors and production staff to discuss issues, such as production and casting problems, budgets, policies, and news coverage.
• Review information about programs and schedules to ensure accuracy and provide such information to local media outlets.
• Direct setup of remote facilities and install or cancel programs at remote stations.
• Develop budgets for programming and broadcasting activities and monitor expenditures to ensure that they remain within budgetary limits.
• Cue announcers, actors, performers, and guests.
• Act as a liaison between talent and directors, providing information that performers or guests need to prepare for appearances and communicating relevant information from guests, performers, or staff to directors.
• Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising activities.

Technology Skills

• Calendar and scheduling software - Music scheduling software; RCS GSelector
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - FileMaker Pro; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; Scheduling databases
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Human resources software - Applicant tracking software
• Instant messaging software - Twitter
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Music or sound editing software - Broadcast Electronics AudioVAULT FleX
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Video creation and editing software - Apple Final Cut Pro; Avid Technology iNEWS
• Web page creation and editing software - Content management systems CMS; Facebook 🔥
• Web platform development software - Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
• Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
• Maintain logs of production activities.
• Report news to the public.
• Coordinate reporting or editing activities.
• Manage content of broadcasts or presentations.
• Edit audio or video recordings.
• Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations.
• Select staff, team members, or performers.
• Develop promotional strategies or plans.
• Determine presentation subjects or content.
• Select materials or props.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Interview others for news or entertainment purposes.
• Discuss production content and progress with others.
• Verify accuracy of data.
• Direct productions or performances.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
• Direct fundraising or financing activities.