Will AI replace Media Programming Directors?

AI can do 74% of the work Media Programming Directors do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 23 tasks, while 15 more are ready but barely used so far. 7 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 2% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Review information about programs and schedules to ensure accuracy and provide such information to local media outlets.Mostly automated2% of time

AI could do this next15 · 72% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.10% of time
  • Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming.10% of time
  • 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% of time
  • Develop promotions for current programs and specials.6% of time
  • Establish work schedules and assign work to staff members.4% of time
  • Coordinate activities between departments, such as news and programming.4% of time
  • Evaluate new and existing programming to assess suitability and the need for changes, using information such as audience surveys and feedback.4% of time
  • Confer with directors and production staff to discuss issues, such as production and casting problems, budgets, policies, and news coverage.4% of time
  • Prepare copy and edit tape so that material is ready for broadcasting.4% of time
  • Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.3% of time
  • Develop ideas for programs and features that a station could produce.3% of time
  • Develop budgets for programming and broadcasting activities and monitor expenditures to ensure that they remain within budgetary limits.2% of time
  • Monitor network transmissions for advisories concerning daily program schedules, program content, special feeds, or program changes.2% of time
  • Act as a liaison between talent and directors, providing information that performers or guests need to prepare for appearances and communicating relevant information from guests, performers, or staff to directors.2% of time
  • Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising activities.1% of time

Still needs a person7 · 26% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.7% of time
  • Select, acquire, and maintain programs, music, films, and other needed materials and obtain legal clearances for their use as necessary.6% of time
  • Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.6% of time
  • Perform personnel duties, such as hiring staff and evaluating work performance.3% of time
  • Conduct interviews for broadcasts.2% of time
  • Direct setup of remote facilities and install or cancel programs at remote stations.1% of time
  • Cue announcers, actors, performers, and guests.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 2 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 15 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Actors13%Producers and Directors65%Talent Directors48%Media Technical Directors/Managers36%Disc Jockeys, Except Radio65%Music Directors and Composers39%

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