Radio program directors determine what goes on the air.
A radio program director is someone who is in charge of what goes on the station's airwaves. Radio program directors decide which programs and commercials will be broadcast, as well as determining music play lists. On top of that, they must schedule programming. Radio program directors also interview, hire and train disc jockeys and other on-air talent, along with producers, news directors and reporters.
Basics
Radio program directors have a wide array of duties that vary based on the size of their station. Many manage both FM and AM stations that are owned by the same company and are operated out of the same location. Many radio program directors work long and odd hours, considering the majority of stations broadcast around the clock. Program directors aim to make sure every second of the broadcast, whether it be music, news shows or commercials, comes off without a hitch.
Skills
A radio program director needs to possess outstanding verbal and written skills. After all, communication is her job. She needs to be highly organized, driven and feel comfortable delegating responsibility. She should not only be an expert in broadcasting, and often music, but in managing and motivating a staff. Radio program directors also need to understand their station's listening audience and work well as members of a team, considering they often operate in unison with advertising and marketing managers.
Background
Radio program directors typically have experience as a broadcaster, either in news, sports or as a disc jockey. Occasionally, they will have worked as advertising managers. Most stations prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, with an emphasis on courses in broadcasting, communications, journalism and perhaps marketing and sales. That said, many radio program directors possess nothing more than a high school diploma (or equivalent). That's because education isn't always as important as a knowledge of the industry and an ability to manage a staff.
Prospects
Jobs in broadcasting were expected to increase 7 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the BLS provided no specific data for radio program directors, it is assumed their opportunities will grow along with the rest of the industry. However, the BLS also noted that radio jobs would increase at a slower rate than those in other forms of broadcasting.
Earnings
Radio program directors earned anywhere from $24,000 to more than $90,000 per year in March 2010, according to PayScale.com. Much of those figures were based on the program director's experience, responsibilities and market size.
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