Your New Role…

CNN is the world's most essential and engaging source of video and digital news, and we're embarking on a crucial mission to invent the next generation of news and information experiences to inform, engage, and empower the world. We have a unique ability to marry content, design, product, and technology to spark connection, fulfill utility, and build community. With our consumer and facts-first strategy, we’re developing new platforms and formats that put CNN’s talent, expertise, and content programming directly in the hands of consumers.

Your Role Accountabilities…

The Director is a leadership position responsible for directing in a fast-paced news and show production environment.  Responsible for developing and implementing a “vision” for the program, in concert with editorial leadership and the directors working on the program in other cities. This includes long term show planning as well as determining the format and content for daily programming. 

• Supervise and lead the technical crew assigned to live and taped telecasts and/or presentations. Inform and advise the technical crew of show needs. 

• This position requires the responsibilities of Directing in one of these manners: 

  • Direct with a full crew (traditional) 

  • Direct and simultaneously Technical Direct (combo) 

  • Direct via an automated production system  

• Directors are also responsible for show design and format, set design, lighting, blocking, graphics, props, show changes, music, sight survey and set-up. 

• Partner with Editorial staff members pre-show for the purpose of: prepping show rundown and identifying needed production elements (live shots, music, etc)

• Participate in providing feedback in the annual performance evaluations of technical and editorial staff.

• Document & escalate technical issues to management in a timely manner and update show/shift reports regularly.  

Qualifications & Experience…

• Must have a strong command of live news programming and be a voracious consumer of news and video content in its many forms. An ideal candidate must also have superior editorial judgment. Experience in television news production is required.  

• 4 years industry experience directing in a live news environment, operational knowledge of all control room positions and familiar with all aspects of live television and pre/post production

• Applicants should have at least 3 to 4 years technical directing

• Operational knowledge of all control room positions.

• Ability to work in a high pressure, 24/7 news environment

• Four-year degree from accredited university or demonstrated experience in the field.  Most applicants have Bachelor or Master’s degree in journalism or communications (other degrees are considered)

• Significant industry experience directing in a live news environment and significant industry experience as a Technical Director in a live news environment preferred

• Candidate should have an interest in news, watch television news, and read information relevant to news on a weekly basis

• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.