Career Overview
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Also Known As
- News Technical Director
- Production Director
- Production Manager
- Technical Director
Alternate Job Titles
- Broadcast Director
- News Director
- News Technical Director
- Newscast Director
- Operations Director
- Operations Manager
- Production Director
- Production Manager
- Production Superintendent
- Production Supervisor
- Radio Station Manager
- Radio Television Technical Director
- Record Producer
- Remote Operations Producer
- Studio Director
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
- Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
- Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
- Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
- Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.
- Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Coordinate the use of drone technology for aerial filming and photography.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Far Vision
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Leadership Orientation
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Cooperation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Photoshop
- Atlassian JIRA
- C
- C++
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Analog editing systems
- Audio boards
- Camera control units
- Desktop computers
- Digital editing systems
- Digital video cameras
- Digital video effects units
- Laptop computers
- Linear editing systems
- Master control switchers
- Non-linear editing systems
- Personal computers
- Robotic cameras
- Studio lighting
- Tape machines
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Time Pressure
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Producers and Directors occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Media Technical Directors/Managers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $43,060 |
| Median | $83,480 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $198,530 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 145,270
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Media Programming Directors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $83,480
Producers and Directors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $83,480
Project Management Specialists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $100,750
Film and Video Editors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $70,980
Information Technology Project Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $108,970
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.