BROADCAST DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Directing a live newscast means making split-second decisions. A Broadcast Director owns the technical execution of every on-air production: switching video sources, coordinating camera and audio operations, and clearing potential issues before the red light goes on. This role sits between the editorial control of the news producer and the engineering infrastructure of the station, translating a producer's rundown into a broadcast the audience actually sees. In television news, where FCC compliance and tight clock formats leave no margin for error, the Director's pre-production discipline and live reflexes determine the quality of every telecast.

As the Broadcast Director, you are accountable for the seamless technical execution of assigned newscasts and live productions, from pre-production checks through final air. You work across the news, promotions, and engineering departments, operating under the oversight of the Video or Production Scoreboard Specialist or senior station management depending on facility structure.

Career Impact: Directing live news at a television station builds hands-on mastery of multi-camera switching, news automation systems, and real-time production coordination that few other roles in broadcast media can replicate at the same pace.

Business Impact: The Director's decisions during a live newscast directly shape whether on-air talent, graphics, and live shots reach the audience error-free, protecting both the station's ratings credibility and its advertiser commitments.

Growth Opportunity: Experience directing daily newscasts and special productions positions candidates to move into Senior Director, Technical Director lead, or Production Manager roles as they develop broader oversight of studio and remote operations.

• Direct assigned live newscasts, switching video sources, graphical keys, and monitor graphics in real time to match the producer's rundown.
• Complete pre-production checks on all sources, live shots, and graphics before each broadcast to identify and resolve issues before air.
• Operate and oversee studio production equipment including camera robotics, teleprompter, audio, lighting, and news automation systems.
• Coordinate with news producers, reporters, and promotions staff to align on the desired on-air look and format for each production.
• Assign and supervise production crew responsibilities during live shows and studio recording sessions.
• Troubleshoot technical failures during live broadcasts, implementing rapid solutions to minimize disruption to the on-air product.
• Staff additional technical positions as required, including studio camera and audio, to support production continuity.
• Meet with news department staff following telecasts to review show quality and identify production improvements.

• Bachelor's degree in television production, broadcast journalism, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of experience as a broadcast director or technical director in a live television or news production environment.
• Working knowledge of television station production equipment including switching systems, camera robotics, and audio boards.
• Familiarity with news automation platforms and character generator systems used in daily newscast production.
• Ability to manage multiple technical priorities simultaneously under strict live broadcast time constraints.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to give clear and efficient direction to crew in a high-pressure environment.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate live news scheduling demands.

• Experience with Sony production switchers, ENPS newsroom systems, or BitCentral Precis content management environments, rewritten as competency in broadcast switcher operation, newsroom workflow integration, and digital content routing.
• Prior supervisory experience assigning crew roles and managing production personnel during live events or telecasts.
• Knowledge of shot composition principles and on-screen graphic standards as applied in local or regional television news formats.
• Exposure to remote or field production coordination, including live shot management from locations outside the primary studio.

• Newscast error rate per broadcast, reflecting pre-production thoroughness and live switching accuracy.
• Live shot readiness rate, measuring how consistently all remote sources are confirmed and cleared before air.
• Time-to-resolution for technical failures during live broadcasts, tracking speed of on-air problem correction.
• Crew assignment completion rate per production session, reflecting coordination efficiency across technical staff.
• Post-show QC review outcomes, capturing frequency of producer-flagged production issues per telecast.
• Typical tools: Production switchers (commonly Sony or Ross); news automation (commonly Overdrive); graphics systems (commonly Chyron).

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $68,000 annually, varying by market size and station group.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus common at larger market stations, typically 3 to 7 percent of base.
• Equity: Equity is not standard for this role in broadcast television environments.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most station group employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, with additional sick leave per station policy.
• Common Perks: Union eligibility at some markets, shift differential pay for overnight and weekend broadcasts, and on-site production facility access.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process should notify the hiring team at any stage. A background check, which may include criminal history review consistent with applicable law, is required as a condition of employment. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to their start date.

The Broadcast Director owns the technical execution of live newscasts, overseeing equipment setup, source checking, and real-time switching to deliver error-free on-air results. Working closely with the news department, producers, and promotions teams, this role ensures all live shots and production elements meet broadcast standards before and during air.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the setup and operations of equipment including camera, audio, video, and lighting.
• Construct and dismantle set.
• Ensure smooth operation of technical equipment and services during broadcast.
• Troubleshoot technical problems during production or broadcast.
• Direct assigned newscasts, including switching newscasts and other productions.
• Complete pre-production for all newscasts and check all sources prior to air.
• Monitor the status of all live shots and content prior to a live newscast.
• Work closely with news department, directors, producers, and promotions to ensure the desired on-air look is attained with minimal errors.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, Bachelor's degree in TV production or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience as a director or technical director.
• Working knowledge of television station production equipment.
• Familiar with all aspects of television production including audio, switching, digital effects, camera operation, shot composition, lighting, character generators, and news automation.
• Good working knowledge of computers.
• Able to handle multiple priorities under extreme time constraints with poise and skill.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to give directions in a clear and efficient manner.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Embedded within the news and engineering department, the Broadcast Director leads daily newscast preparation and live production execution, from crew assignment through post-telecast quality review. Working closely with the news producer and engineering staff, this role upholds broadcast standards across studio setup, automation systems, and on-air performance.

Core Functions

• Work with the news department, engineering, and news producer in the preparation of a newscast.
• Assign jobs during production sessions and live shows.
• Direct local newscast as assigned.
• Meet with members of the News Department following telecast to discuss show quality.
• Operate overdrive automation, camera robotics, studio setup, teleprompter, lighting, and audio systems.
• Identify and execute high quality television production.
• Maintain professionalism while upholding broadcast standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Flexible scheduling availability required for this position.
• Able to meet deadlines while working in a high-pressure atmosphere.
• Fluency in English and knowledge of other languages.
• Good communication skills and a strong understanding of computers.
• Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude as a team player.

Reporting to the Video Scoreboard Specialist, the Broadcast Director leads event broadcasts and manages the full setup, testing, and scheduling of advertising inventory displayed during games and live events. Partnering with the stadium manager and marketing specialist, this role coordinates sponsor display operations and ensures equipment is ready and compliant before each event begins.

Primary Duties

• Lead the broadcast and manage setup and testing of all equipment before each event.
• Manage and report the status of the advertising broadcast schedule.
• Coordinate with in-stadium sponsors on advertising display.
• Work directly with the stadium manager on event broadcast operations.
• Arrive two hours before event starts to set up equipment.
• Coordinate advertising inventory with the marketing specialist.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution required.
• Experience in A/V or broadcast required, experience with live events or sporting events preferred.
• Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Skilled in the use of audio and visual equipment, team and project management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Able to maintain professionalism under stress.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and stand or support media equipment for extended periods.
• Able to read, speak, and write in English.