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Radio and Television Program Directors


Overview

Radio and Television Program Directors

Introduction

Radio and television program directors plan and schedule program material for stations and networks. They determine what entertainment programs, news broadcasts, and other program material their organizations offer to the public. At a large network, the program director may supervise a large programming staff. At a small station, one person may manage the station and also handle all programming duties.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$73,159

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree


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Experience

Several years experience required


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Skills

Business Management
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Personality Traits

Hands On
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Earnings

Salaries for radio and television program directors vary widely based on such factors as size and location of the station, whether the station is commercial or public, and experience of the director. Radio and television program directors earned median annual salaries of $73,159 in July 2020, according to Salary.com. Salaries ranged from less than $58,952 to $87,367 or more. Television program ...

Work Environment

Program directors at small stations often work 44–48 hours a week and frequently work evenings, late at night, and on weekends. At larger stations, which have more personnel, program directors usually work 40-hour weeks.

Program directors frequently work under pressure because of the need to maintain precise timing and meet the needs of sponsors, performers, and other staff members.

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Outlook

All radio and television stations, cable television systems, and regional and national networks employ program directors or have other employees whose duties include programming. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of program directors is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028. However, the broadcasting industry has been impacted by consol...