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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to curate and optimise digital content for CNN's platforms.
- Company: Join Warner Bros. Discovery, a hub of creativity and innovation in media.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career-defining opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital journalism, shaping news experiences for global audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital journalism and team management in a fast-paced environment required.
- Other info: Must be flexible with working hours, including nights and weekends.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are…
When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
We are the now and the next. The power behind the people building the future. We are born from the spirit of innovation. We are created from the idea that people around the world want more, need more, deserve more. We are the home of the global digital revolution. We are CNN.
To see what it’s like to work atCNN, follow @WBDLife on Instagram and X !
We are CNN. The world\’s most essential and engaging source of digital news. We are in the midst of rapid transformation and need our next generation of innovators, makers, and dreamers who will lead and drive our growth. We aim to make the world a better, more connected place.
We’re seeking a Director of Digital Programming to lead the editorial team responsible for curating and optimizing the content experience across our core digital surfaces — web, mobile web, and mobile apps — for a 24/7 global news organization.
This role is at the intersection of journalism, audience behaviour, and product innovation. The ideal candidate brings sharp editorial judgment, strong people leadership, and a strategic mindset grounded in data. You ensure our digital front doors consistently reflect the urgency, depth, and breadth of our journalism — and that they serve the evolving needs of our audiences around the clock.
Must be willing to work overnights, evenings, weekends and/or holidays as this role supports a 24/7 business
Lead a team of editors curating and programming the organization’s home and front- door digital experiences (web, mobile web, and app)
Exercise strong editorial judgment in real-time, particularly during high-pressure breaking news
Frame stories with clarity and impact, including writing or approving high-quality headlines, teases, and promotional language
Make sophisticated editorial decisions around content hierarchy, timing, and rotation across multiple formats (text, video, visuals)
Monitoring real-time analytics to guide programming decisions and adjust content placement dynamically, and Identifying patterns in audience behaviour across platforms and use insights to inform both daily and long-term programming strategy
Guide programming strategy across formats — including live video, text, audio, and visuals — ensuring each is optimized for its platform
Spot key live opportunities and coordinate with digital video producers to bring time-sensitive content to audiences
Represent programming priorities in editorial and cross-functional leadership meetings
Serve as the primary liaison between the programming team and executive stakeholders, ensuring alignment on goals and editorial positioning
Collaborate closely with peers in News, Product, Audience Development, and Design to deliver a cohesive, audience-first experience
Support testing and experimentation efforts on surfaces by providing editorial input and aligning tests with audience goals
Qualifications & Experience…
Proven experience in digital journalism, audience programming, or editorial operations within a fast-paced news or media environment
Experience managing teams in a 24/7 publishing operation, ideally with global coordination
Demonstrated ability to balance real-time editorial instincts with long-term strategic thinking
Deep understanding of audience engagement, digital consumption behaviours, and cross-platform storytelling (text, video, audio)
Strong analytical skills — comfortable interpreting audience data and using it to drive decisions
Excellent communication skills and comfort working with executive stakeholders and cross-functional leaders
Experience working with product and design teams to enhance digital storytelling or homepage surfaces
Demonstrated commitment to journalistic standards and editorial independence
Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are…
When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
We are the now and the next. The power behind the people building the future. We are born from the spirit of innovation. We are created from the idea that people around the world want more, need more, deserve more. We are the home of the global digital revolution. We are CNN.
To see what it’s like to work atCNN, follow @WBDLife on Instagram and X !
Your New Role…
We are CNN. The world\’s most essential and engaging source of digital news. We are in the midst of rapid transformation and need our next generation of innovators, makers, and dreamers who will lead and drive our growth. We aim to make the world a better, more connected place.
We’re seeking a Director of Digital Programming to lead the editorial team responsible for curating and optimizing the content experience across our core digital surfaces — web, mobile web, and mobile apps — for a 24/7 global news organization.
This role is at the intersection of journalism, audience behaviour, and product innovation. The ideal candidate brings sharp editorial judgment, strong people leadership, and a strategic mindset grounded in data. You ensure our digital front doors consistently reflect the urgency, depth, and breadth of our journalism — and that they serve the evolving needs of our audiences around the clock.
Must be willing to work overnights, evenings, weekends and/or holidays as this role supports a 24/7 business
Your Role Accountabilities…
-
Lead a team of editors curating and programming the organization’s home and front- door digital experiences (web, mobile web, and app)
-
Exercise strong editorial judgment in real-time, particularly during high-pressure breaking news
-
Frame stories with clarity and impact, including writing or approving high-quality headlines, teases, and promotional language
-
Make sophisticated editorial decisions around content hierarchy, timing, and rotation across multiple formats (text, video, visuals)
-
Monitoring real-time analytics to guide programming decisions and adjust content placement dynamically, and Identifying patterns in audience behaviour across platforms and use insights to inform both daily and long-term programming strategy
-
Guide programming strategy across formats — including live video, text, audio, and visuals — ensuring each is optimized for its platform
-
Spot key live opportunities and coordinate with digital video producers to bring time-sensitive content to audiences
-
Represent programming priorities in editorial and cross-functional leadership meetings
-
Serve as the primary liaison between the programming team and executive stakeholders, ensuring alignment on goals and editorial positioning
-
Collaborate closely with peers in News, Product, Audience Development, and Design to deliver a cohesive, audience-first experience
-
Support testing and experimentation efforts on surfaces by providing editorial input and aligning tests with audience goals
Qualifications & Experience…
-
Proven experience in digital journalism, audience programming, or editorial operations within a fast-paced news or media environment
-
Experience managing teams in a 24/7 publishing operation, ideally with global coordination
-
Demonstrated ability to balance real-time editorial instincts with long-term strategic thinking
-
Deep understanding of audience engagement, digital consumption behaviours, and cross-platform storytelling (text, video, audio)
-
Strong analytical skills — comfortable interpreting audience data and using it to drive decisions
-
Excellent communication skills and comfort working with executive stakeholders and cross-functional leaders
-
Experience working with product and design teams to enhance digital storytelling or homepage surfaces
-
Demonstrated commitment to journalistic standards and editorial independence
Hybrid Working – This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.
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.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.
If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
-
Industries
Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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Director, Programming employer: CNN
Contact Detail:
CNN Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Programming
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with CNN's current digital content strategies and audience engagement metrics. Understanding their approach will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the digital journalism space, especially those who have experience at CNN or similar organisations. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital media and audience behaviour. Being able to discuss these trends intelligently will demonstrate your strategic mindset and commitment to innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. This will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for a role that requires strong people leadership.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Programming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in digital journalism and audience programming. Focus on your leadership roles and any experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment, as this is crucial for the Director, Programming role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for digital media and storytelling. Discuss how your editorial judgment and strategic mindset align with CNN's mission to provide engaging news content. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, include examples of how you've used data to inform editorial decisions in past positions. Highlight any experience you have with real-time analytics and audience behaviour insights.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with cross-platform storytelling and managing editorial teams. Be ready to discuss how you would approach programming strategy and content optimisation for different formats, as these are key aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at CNN
✨Showcase Your Editorial Judgement
As a Director of Programming, your ability to exercise strong editorial judgement is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've made tough editorial decisions, especially during high-pressure situations. Highlight how your choices positively impacted audience engagement.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
This role requires a strategic mindset grounded in data. Come equipped with examples of how you've used analytics to inform programming decisions. Discuss any tools or methodologies you’ve employed to interpret audience behaviour and adjust content accordingly.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
Managing a team in a 24/7 publishing environment is key for this position. Share your experiences in leading teams, particularly in fast-paced settings. Talk about how you foster collaboration and ensure alignment on goals within your team and across departments.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaboration with various teams is essential in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked with product, design, and audience development teams in the past. Highlight any projects where your collaborative efforts led to enhanced digital storytelling or improved user experience.