Media Programming Directors
Machines can already do 28% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 52%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Media Programming Directors in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 28% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 9% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2034, and 52% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 143,120 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $90,360 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 73% for contact with people.
- Also called: Broadcast Content Manager, News Director, Newscast Director, Production Director.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming | 10% | 10% to 27% | |
| Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality | 10% | 25% to 50% | |
| Plan and schedule programming and event coverage, based on broadcast length, time availability, and other factors, such as community needs, ratings data, and viewer demographics | 9% | 35% to 65% | |
| Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties | 7% | 35% to 58% | |
| Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Develop promotions for current programs and specials | 6% | 35% to 65% | |
| Select, acquire, and maintain programs, music, films, and other needed materials and obtain legal clearances for their use as necessary | 6% | 38% to 63% | |
| Prepare copy and edit tape so that material is ready for broadcasting | 5% | 25% to 50% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills media programming directors use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Architectural and Engineering Managers50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $171,270
What should you do about it?
Open this job in the Workforce Starburst to see it for your country, then use these to act on it.
Watch This Job
Get told when the outlook for this job changes.
Free planSkills to learn next
The skills that make this job, or the next one, last longer.
In the StarburstCheck your readiness
Ten quick questions on how ready you are.
FreeAsk Vantage
Ask what this job means for you and get a sourced answer.
Free to askFutures Academy courses
Courses matched to your gaps.
Coming soonPay trend
Where pay for this job is heading.
Coming soonTeam plan
Every role in your team, side by side, with a plan for each.
Pro and CorporateShared workspace
Work through it with your team, with notes and decisions kept.
Pro and Corporate
Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Media Programming Directors?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2034. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of media programming directors?
Machines can do 28% of the tasks of media programming directors today and 52% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 27-2012.03 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Media Programming Directors: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/media-programming-directors/