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How a media technical directors/manager can use AI, task by task

O*NET 27-2012.05: Media Technical Directors/ManagersMedian pay $90,360/year (BLS, May 2025)15 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Broadcast Director, News Technical Director, Newscast Director, Operations Director, Production Director, Production Manager, Studio Director, Technical Director.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 4%AI-assist 34%Stays human 61%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 6 AI-assist and 8 human-led tasks out of 15. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.Plan & schedule · Several times a day
Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.Create & design · Several times a day
Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.Plan & schedule · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.Lead people · Daily
Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.Hands-on work · Several times a day
Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.Lead people · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Schedule use of studio and editing facilities for producers and engineering and maintenance staff.

Weekly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to schedule use of studio and editing facilities for producers and engineering and maintenance staff.

Context: We use Atlassian JIRA and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production or event: [describe]
Resources: [crew, equipment, budget]

Plan logistics, schedule and budget. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Production logistics plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you schedule use of studio and editing facilities (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production or event] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate logistics for productions or events..

AI can help you prep these 6

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.

Several times a day

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.

Context: We use Atlassian JIRA and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production: [scene, program, project]
Requirements: [camera, sound, timing, cast]

Draft a technical breakdown and schedule. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Production technical plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe pictures.

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.. Also involves: Manage content of broadcasts or presentations..

Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.

Several times a day

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya; the work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Project: [animation, effect]
Style and length: [describe]

Suggest shot breakdown, techniques and references. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Animation plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Style and length] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Create computer-generated graphics or animation..

Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.

Weekly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.

Context: We use Atlassian JIRA and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production or event: [describe]
Resources: [crew, equipment, budget]

Plan logistics, schedule and budget. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Production logistics plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you act as liaisons between engineering and production departments (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production or event] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate logistics for productions or events..

Train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Process: [models, methods]
Staff: [describe]

Plan a demonstration and practice. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Process training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train workers.

Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Staff] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train others on work processes..

Confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programs.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programs.

Context: We use MailChimp.
Project: [artwork, set, production]
Partners: [clients, lighting, sound]

Draft questions and specs to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical production details

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with operations directors (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Partners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions..

Discuss filter options, lens choices, and the visual effects of objects being filmed with photography directors and video operators.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to discuss filter options, lens choices, and the visual effects of objects being filmed with photography directors and video operators.

Context: We use MailChimp and Adobe After Effects.
Project: [artwork, set, production]
Partners: [clients, lighting, sound]

Draft questions and specs to agree. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical production details

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you discuss filter options, lens choices and the visual effects (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Partners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions..

These stay human 8

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Frequency of decisions: every day · Impact of decisions: important results

Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production: [describe]
Crew: [departments]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating a production crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise and assign duties (today).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate activities of production personnel..

Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Show: [broadcast, event, DJ set]
Console: [sound, lighting, video]

List pre-show checks, cue list and backup plan. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Console show prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you switch between video sources in a studio.

Step 2Fill in [Show] and [Console] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run a full cue-to-cue check before doors.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video..

Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.

Several times a day

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production: [play, broadcast, film]
Scene or segment: [describe]

Prepare notes for performers and crew. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Directing prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions.

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Scene or segment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Direct productions or performances..

Test equipment to ensure proper operation.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to test equipment to ensure proper operation.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Equipment: [cameras, consoles, transmitters]
Tests: [what to verify]

Make a pre-show test checklist. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Broadcast equipment test

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you test equipment (today).

Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Tests] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect communications or broadcasting equipment..

Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Output I monitor: [program feeds, audio, video, transmitters]
Standards: [station policy, regulations, technical specs]

Make a monitoring checklist: what to watch and listen for, normal ranges, what counts as a fault, and who to notify for each. Add a discrepancy log template.

10-minute exercise: Broadcast monitoring checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor broadcasts (today).

Step 2Paste the key rules into [Standards] and compare the checklist with your station's procedures.

Step 3Use the discrepancy log for one shift and note what it helped you catch. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning..

Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production: [shoot, broadcast]
Equipment: [cameras, tapes, rigs]

List set-up, settings and pre-roll checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Camera set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you follow instructions.

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Record a test clip and review it before going live.

Importance 4.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.. Also involves: Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions..

Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Program: [show, remote]
Equipment: [console, remote setup]

Give me a pre-show checklist, contingency plan and on-air phrases for problems. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: On-air or broadcast operation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate equipment (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Rehearse the contingency phrases before going live.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment..

Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.

Context: The work draws on communications and media, telecommunications and computers and electronics.
Production: [describe]
Crew: [departments]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating a production crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with promotions directors (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Production] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate activities of production personnel..

Get the full prompt pack for Media Technical Directors/Managers

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Monitoringimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Operations Monitoringimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes
Speakingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Active Learningimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Writingimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Learning Strategiesimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Web Administrators2% human-led · Same preparation · $116,580/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Programming
Computer Network Architects13% human-led · Same preparation · $134,050/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Programming, Technology Design, Mathematics
Special Effects Artists and Animators10% human-led · Same preparation · $102,030/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Your skills already line up
Film and Video Editors30% human-led · Same preparation · $75,420/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Your skills already line up

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist, 0 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Coordinate the use of drone technology for aerial filming and photography.

New in O*NET

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a media technical directors/manager. Part of my job is to coordinate the use of drone technology for aerial filming and photography.

Context: I mainly work with clients and audiences; we use Atlassian JIRA and Microsoft Excel.
Goal: [what a good outcome looks like]
People and resources: [who and what is available]
Constraints: [deadlines, budget, rules, hours]

Draft a plan for the the use of drone technology as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong. Then list the 3 decisions I need to make before this plan works.

10-minute exercise: Plan: the use of drone technology

Step 1Pick the next real time you need to coordinate the use of drone technology.

Step 2Fill in [Goal], [People and resources] and [Constraints] with the real details and run it.

Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground, then put the plan into Atlassian JIRA or Microsoft Excel. Ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (92% of workers)

High school or less 4%
Certificate or some college 2%
Associate's 1%
Bachelor's 92%

On-the-job training: 1–3 months
Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe After EffectsAdobe PhotoshopAtlassian JIRACC++FacebookLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SQL Server