Reach Media is a broadcast media services provider supporting live newsroom and television production operations from our studios and offices in Washington, DC. We operate in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom environment focused on delivering high-quality broadcast and digital news content to audiences around the world. Our teams support a wide range of editorial, production, technical, and operational functions across live television and multimedia platforms.
The Automation Director is responsible for directing live and non-live programs in an automated production environment, ensuring high-quality output that meets editorial and technical standards. Acting as Director or Co-Director, they lead control room operations during transmission while collaborating closely with editorial, production, and technical teams before, during, and after broadcasts. The role requires confident operation of Vizrt Mosart, strong rundown management, and the ability to solve production and technical issues quickly.
Responsibilities:
- Direct and co‑direct live and non‑live programming using Vizrt Mosart (Studio Automation software).
- Maintain overall responsibility for program execution, look, and feel during production.
- Prepare, check, and adapt NCS running orders, including deviating when required.
- Lead control room operations, coordinating studio and technical teams during broadcasts.
- Work closely with Program Editors and Output Producers to ensure editorial intent is met.
- Liaise clearly and professionally with on‑air talent and crew.
- Anticipate and resolve production or technical issues in fast‑paced environments.
- Assist MSOs and on the studio floor when appropriate.
- Maintain continuity of established show formats and workflows.
- Support training and development of Junior Automation Directors.
- Assist with maintaining and improving automation workflows.
- Ensure compliance with broadcast operations policies and health & safety requirements.
- Report issues and escalate incidents to the appropriate teams, including follow-up to ensure resolution.
- Coordinating the crew effectively and in a safe manner, following correct H&S practices.
- Be across changes and how it impacts the role.
Minimum Requirements:
- Will be required to work closely alongside other directors to support the Lead Director and other senior managers in the DC office and in London, and to develop a robust workflow built around the technology that has been installed in this brand-new facility.
- The role will involve problem solving, creativity and imagination, and an ability to share others’ visions and put them into action.
- Proven experience directing in an automated broadcast environment.
- Strong working knowledge of Vizrt Mosart (or equivalent broadcast automation systems).
- Excellent understanding of television news production, including cameras, lighting, audio, and graphics.
- Ability to make quick editorial and technical decisions under pressure.
- Strong communication skills and collaborative working style.
- Experience working with editorial, production, and engineering teams.
- Knowledge of world news and live television output.
- Ability to think logically and progressively.
- Ability to appreciate/spot aesthetic detail.
- Can recognize and meet strict deadlines.
- Quickly react to situations or respond to questions/commands.
- A demonstrable understanding of video formats, playback workflow, servers, and broadcast production
- Fluent English speaker and able to communicate effectively both verbally and written.
- Understand Broadcast production workflow and technical standards.
- Possess a sound knowledge of the broadcast formats and server systems.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Able to work in a stressful and fast paced News environment.
- Able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
- Able to work in a 24/7 shift base environment.
- Must be organized and punctual.
- Travel could be necessary, minimal.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What experience do you have working in a fast-paced newsroom?
- Have you ever worked for an organization with international or overseas operations?
Experience:
- Directing in an automated broadcast environment: 2 years (Preferred)
- Working with editorial, production and engineering teams: 3 years (Preferred)
- Television news production: 3 years (Required)
- Working with Vizrt Mosart or equivalent broadcast systems: 5 years (Preferred)
Language:
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Washington, DC 20005 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Washington, DC 20005: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
