Senior Programming Director (LA Times Studios)

The Senior Programming Director is responsible for the strategic oversight, planning, and execution of live stream content. This leadership role involves managing both the editorial and technical teams to ensure high-quality, timely, accurate, and engaging broadcasts. This position collaborates closely with affiliated partners, licensed and branded content teams, and senior leadership to deliver innovative, brand-safe content that aligns with the company's goals.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with other entity newsroom  and non-newsroom content strategists  to curate, aggregate content and implement Live Stream Channel, ensuring content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with the company’s standards.
• Oversee the selection of stories, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international events.
• Supervise all aspects of live stream production, including pre-production planning, live execution, and post-production analysis.
• Ensure adherence to programming schedules, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Address and resolve any production issues or technical challenges that arise during live broadcasts.
• Provide guidance and advice to the studio stream production team on story angles, scripts, and overall program structure.
• Plan and coordinate the daily and long-term production schedules for programs.
• Collaborate with producers to develop engaging program formats by brainstorming in ideation sessions 
• Stay updated on current events and industry trends to innovate and improve news programming.
• Manage the Stream Operations & internal team, including anchors, reporters, producers, editors, and technical staff. Which includes hiring, terminations, discipline, and performance changes. 
• Foster a collaborative and dynamic work environment that encourages  creativity.
• Ensure that all broadcasts run smoothly, addressing any technical or editorial issues that arise during production.
• Maintain adherence to production schedules, ensuring programs start and end on time.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in all news content.
• Implement measures to continually improve the quality and impact of news and lifestyle programming.
• Collaborate with marketing and promotional teams to maximize the visibility and impact of news programs.
• Monitor audience feedback and ratings to make data-driven decisions for programming improvements.
• Communicate program successes, challenges, and strategies to senior management.
• Build relationships with external partners, including news agencies, correspondents, and other media organizations

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Film, Television, Media Production, News, Business, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in media programming, with a demonstrable track record of leading high-profile, complex projects from concept to successful delivery. Proven experience in managing multiple, large-scale productions simultaneously.
• Visionary leadership with a strong ability to motivate, mentor, and manage cross-functional production teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Experience guiding senior-level staff and providing strategic direction at a departmental or organizational level.
• Advanced financial management skills with expertise in overseeing multi-million dollar project budgets. Demonstrated ability to optimize resources, control costs, and ensure financial accountability across large production portfolios.
• Exceptional creative judgment, with the ability to shape and oversee the creative direction of major productions. Experience working closely with executive teams to align production strategies with overall company vision and brand.
• Superior communication and negotiation skills, adept at liaising with senior executives, key stakeholders, and external partners. Proven success in cultivating strategic partnerships and driving business development through effective communication.
• Expert at performing in high-pressure environments, consistently delivering top-quality results within tight timelines. Skilled at implementing process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency and mitigate production risks.
• Deep, established network of industry leaders and key influencers, leveraging relationships to secure high-profile talent, partnerships, and business opportunities that drive growth and elevate project outcomes.
• Strong editorial judgment, adept at making swift, informed decisions that balance creative aspirations with business objectives. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex challenges and provide decisive leadership during critical moments.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Advanced degree in Film, Television, Media Production, News, Business, or a related field.

The L.A. Times Studios, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively work to create an inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive.

The pay scale the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting is $170,000 to $190,000 and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. At the L.A. Times Studios, LLC, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

The Company is a mandatory vaccination employer for COVID-19 and its variants. The Company requires that its employees be fully vaccinated as of their start date. If you require a medical or religious accommodation, we will engage in the interactive process with you. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to start. If we make you an offer and you are not yet vaccinated, we will accommodate a delay in start date.