Program Directors

Summary

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

• 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 and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.
• Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming.
• Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.
• Establish work schedules and assign work to staff members.
• Coordinate activities between departments, such as news and programming.
• Perform personnel duties, such as hiring staff and evaluating work performance.
• Evaluate new and existing programming to assess suitability and the need for changes, using information such as audience surveys and feedback.
• Develop budgets for programming and broadcasting activities and monitor expenditures to ensure that they remain within budgetary limits.
• Confer with directors and production staff to discuss issues, such as production and casting problems, budgets, policies, and news coverage.
• Select, acquire, and maintain programs, music, films, and other needed materials and obtain legal clearances for their use as necessary.
• Monitor network transmissions for advisories concerning daily program schedules, program content, special feeds, or program changes.
• Develop promotions for current programs and specials.
• Prepare copy and edit tape so that material is ready for broadcasting.
• Develop ideas for programs and features that a station could produce.
• Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising activities.
• Review information about programs and schedules to ensure accuracy and provide such information to local media outlets.
• Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.
• Operate and maintain on‑air and production audio equipment.
• Direct setup of remote facilities and install or cancel programs at remote stations.
• Cue announcers, actors, performers, and guests.
• Conduct interviews for broadcasts.
• 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.

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

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