Newscast Director

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. in Charlotte seeks a Newscast Director to oversee the technical execution and visual presentation of live and recorded newscasts and special productions, coordinating with producers and staff to meet editorial and creative goals.

You will manage automation systems, monitor video and graphics, troubleshoot in real time, and ensure high production standards across traditional and digital platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience directing live television newscasts.
• Familiarity with automated production systems and control room tech.
• Strong understanding of video, audio, graphics, and newsroom software.
• Ability to make quick decisions in a fast-paced live environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct live and recorded newscasts using automated production control systems.
• Build, edit, and maintain automation playlists, rundowns, and event triggers.
• Coordinate with producers to execute editorial and creative vision.
• Monitor cameras, graphics, audio, video servers, and switcher functions.
• Troubleshoot issues during live broadcasts.
• Verify timing, graphics, lower thirds, video playback, and transitions.
• Adjust automation sequences in real time for breaking news.
• Collaborate with meteorologists, anchors, reporters, and staff for smooth broadcasts.
• Maintain broadcast quality and FCC/compliance standards.
• Participate in rehearsals, special events, elections, and remote productions.
• Help develop production workflows to improve automation efficiency.
• Direct and monitor live-streamed newscasts across digital and social platforms.

Skills

Directing live news

Automated control systems

Video production

Switcher systems

Graphics systems

Audio boards

Newsroom systems

Decision making

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Flexible hours

Tools

Ross OverDrive

Grass Valley Ignite

Sony ELC

Job description

The Newscast Director is responsible for the technical execution and visual presentation of live and recorded newscasts and special productions utilizing automated control room systems. This role collaborates with producers, technical operations staff, and newsroom personnel to ensure accurate, engaging, and seamless broadcasts while maintaining high production standards.

• Direct live and recorded newscasts using automated production control systems.
• Build, edit, and maintain automation playlists, rundowns, and event triggers.
• Coordinate closely with producers to execute editorial and creative vision.
• Monitor automated production elements including cameras, graphics, audio, video servers, and switcher functions.
• Troubleshoot automation, production, and technical issues during live broadcasts.
• Verify accuracy of timing, graphics, lower thirds, video playback, and transitions.
• Adjust automation sequences in real time to accommodate breaking news and changing production requirements.
• Collaborate with meteorologists, anchors, reporters, and technical staff to ensure smooth execution of broadcasts.
• Maintain broadcast quality standards and compliance with FCC regulations and company policies.
• Participate in rehearsals, special event coverage, election coverage, and remote productions as assigned.
• Assist in development and refinement of production workflows to maximize automation efficiency.
• Direct and monitor live-streamed newscasts across digital, and social media platforms, ensuring accurate execution, high production quality, and seamless integration with traditional broadcast operations.

Requirements And Skills

• Experience directing live television newscasts.
• Working knowledge of automated production systems (Ross OverDrive, Grass Valley Ignite, Sony ELC, or similar).
• Strong understanding of video production, switchers, graphics systems, audio boards, and newsroom computer systems.
• Ability to make quick decisions in a fast-paced live news environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and breaking news situations.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced newsroom environment.
• Extended periods sitting at production consoles and computer workstations.
• Frequent work during breaking news and special event coverage.
• Ability to remain focused under significant deadline pressure.