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Radio and Television Program Directors

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 consolidation, introduction of new technologies, greater use of prepared programming, and competition from other media.

Competition for radio and television program director jobs is strong. There are more opportunities for beginners in radio than there are in television. Most radio and television stations in large cities hire only experienced workers.

New radio and television stations and new cable television systems are expected to create some additional openings for program directors, but some radio stations are eliminating program director positions by installing automatic programming equipment or combining those responsibilities with other positions. On the other hand, many radio stations are building their own HD (digital broadcast) radio stations, which could create more jobs in the years to come.

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