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Television Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weigel produces the original network TV programs Svengoolie, Toon In With Me and Collector's Call ... Technical Director: ABC57 News in South Bend, Indiana is seeking a communicative and creative ...

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Television Program Director information

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$37K

$93.5K

$160.5K

How much do television program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for television program director in the United States is $93,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a television program director do?

A Television Program Director is responsible for overseeing the scheduling, planning, and coordination of television programs for a broadcast station or network. They decide what shows will air and when, ensuring that content appeals to the target audience and meets regulatory requirements. Program directors also work closely with producers, advertising teams, and station management to develop programming strategies. Their goal is to maximize viewership and support the station's overall objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by television program directors when coordinating broadcast schedules?

Television Program Directors often face the challenge of balancing viewer preferences, advertising commitments, and network priorities while creating broadcast schedules. They must adapt quickly to last-minute changes, such as breaking news or technical issues, which can disrupt planned programming. Collaborating closely with production teams, editors, and marketing staff is essential to ensure smooth transitions between shows and maximize audience engagement. Effective time management and strong communication skills are vital for navigating these complexities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a television program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Television Program Director, you need expertise in broadcast programming, scheduling, content acquisition, and a relevant degree in communications, media, or a related field. Familiarity with broadcast management software, Nielsen ratings systems, and digital content platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help in managing teams and collaborating with producers, networks, and advertisers. These competencies ensure successful programming strategies, audience engagement, and smooth station operations in a competitive media landscape.

What is the difference between Television Program Director vs Television Producer?

AspectTelevision Program DirectorTelevision Producer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in film, media, or related field; experience in directing or production rolesOften holds a degree in media, communications, or business; extensive experience in production and project management
Work EnvironmentWorks on set or in editing suites, overseeing filming and technical aspectsWorks in offices or production sites, managing budgets, schedules, and overall project coordination
Industry UsageCommonly used in television and film production to denote the person directing the programUsed broadly in television to refer to the person managing the entire production process

The Television Program Director primarily focuses on directing the creative and technical aspects of a TV program, ensuring the vision is realized on screen. In contrast, the Television Producer manages the overall production, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating various departments. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within the television industry.

How much do television program directors make?

Television program directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the network or production company. Senior directors or those working in major markets can earn higher salaries, and the role often requires strong leadership, technical skills, and knowledge of broadcasting standards.

How to become a television program director?

To become a television program director, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in communications, broadcasting, or a related field, along with experience in television production or editing. Developing strong leadership, communication, and technical skills, as well as understanding the production process and working with production teams, is essential for advancing to this role.

What cities are hiring for Television Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Television Program Director job openings:

What states have the most Television Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Television Program Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Television Program Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Television Program Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Television Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,461 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

NEWSCAST DIRECTOR/ TECHNICAL MEDIA PRODUCER - WMC-TV

GRAY TELEVISION

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Direct live and pre-recorded newscasts and monitor all on-air streams.

  • Operate production and master control equipment including switchers, automation, graphics, audio, prompter, and cameras.

  • Perform ingest and playback functions, coordinate live shots and feeds, and ensure FCC compliance.


Gray Television rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 78 rated media


Job description

About Gray Media:

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WMC-TV:

WMC-TV, virtual and VHF digital channel 5, is an NBC-affiliated television station licensed to Memphis, Tennessee, United States. The station is owned by Gray Media. The station serves roughly the western third of Tennessee, northern Mississippi, eastern Arkansas, and the southeastern corner of Missouri over the air, on satellite, and on various cable systems.

Job Summary/Description:

WMC-TV is hiring a Director/Technical Media Producer in Memphis, TN. This hybrid role combines live newscast directing with automation and traditional master control responsibilities, including monitoring broadcast signals, commercial playout, and FCC compliance. We’re looking for a reliable, self-motivated team player—whether you’re experienced in TV production or eager to just get your foot in the door.

Duties/Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

- Direct live and pre-recorded newscasts/productions as assigned; monitor all WMC on-air streams
- Operate production and master control switchers, automation, graphics, audio, prompter, and PTZ cameras
- Use tools such as Ross OverDrive, VizRT, Digital Broadcast, and related production/master control equipment
- Perform ingest and playback functions, including commercial/promo ingest, program ingest/segmenting, and basic desktop editing
- Coordinate and execute satellite/ENG/bonded cellular live shots and feeds
- Maintain awareness of web/digital production workflows and support as needed
- Maintain and understand FCC program/transmitter logs; comply with all FCC broadcast regulations
- Work within the newsroom computer system (NRCS); WMC currently uses ENPS
- Demonstrate working knowledge of all studio, control room, and production-area equipment

Qualifications/Requirements:

- Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Film, Mass Communication, or related field preferred
- 2 years of experience in journalism, production, media, or related fields
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize complex tasks
- Ability to communicate effectively - written and verbal
- Strong organizational skills

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopening, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

WMC-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray’s employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.


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