At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic editorial team to curate engaging digital content across platforms.
- Company: Join Warner Bros. Discovery, a global leader in news and media.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital journalism while making a real impact on audiences.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in digital journalism and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a Director of Digital Programming, Weekend to report into the VP of Programming and lead the editorial team responsible for curating and optimising the content experience across our core digital surfaces — web, mobile web, and mobile apps — for a 24/7 global news organisation. 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.
The Weekend Director will play a critical role helping to develop and lead execution of the weekend homepage strategy. The role is based out of our London newsroom, working a 4‑day week inclusive of Saturday and Sunday.
Your Role Accountabilities
- Lead a team of editors programming the organisation’s home and front‑door digital experiences (web, mobile web, and app).
- Guide programming strategy across formats — including live video, text, audio, and visuals — ensuring each is optimised.
- Exercise strong editorial judgment in real‑time, particularly during high‑pressure breaking news and questions of content hierarchy, timing and rotation.
- Ensure content selection aligns with core editorial values while meeting the needs of users (Catch me up, Take me deeper, Entertain me).
- Frame stories with clarity, accuracy and impact, including writing or approving high‑quality headlines, teases, and promotional language.
- Demonstrate ability to make sophisticated editorial decisions and seamlessly curate across live, text, visual and video formats.
- Monitor real‑time analytics to inform programming decisions and adjust content placement dynamically, partnering with the Audience, Data, and Research teams to deepen understanding of audience segments and consumption habits.
- Manage and mentor a distributed editorial team, providing direction, feedback, and growth opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive 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).
- Experience working with product and design teams to enhance digital storytelling or homepage surfaces.
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.
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.
Director, Homepage Programming in London employer: CNN
Warner Bros. Discovery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity meets innovation. With a commitment to employee growth and a hybrid working model, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally while championing diversity and inclusion. Join us to lead a talented editorial team in shaping the future of digital journalism, all while enjoying a flexible 4-day work week that prioritises work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Homepage Programming in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your best work. This is your chance to demonstrate your editorial judgement and strategic mindset in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends. Follow relevant news, podcasts, and social media accounts to keep your finger on the pulse. This knowledge will help you impress during interviews and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Homepage Programming in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Digital Programming role. Highlight your experience in digital journalism and audience programming, and show us how your skills align with our needs.
Showcase Your Editorial Judgement:In your application, give examples of how you've exercised strong editorial judgement in high-pressure situations. We want to see how you make decisions that reflect urgency and depth in content curation.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, share your experiences in leading editorial teams. Tell us about how you've mentored others and fostered growth within your team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at CNN
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the company’s audience and their content preferences. Understanding who they cater to will help you align your editorial vision with their needs, showing that you can lead a team that resonates with viewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing and mentoring teams. Share specific examples of how you've guided editorial teams in high-pressure situations, especially during breaking news. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Data Savvy
Since this role involves monitoring real-time analytics, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform programming decisions in the past. Highlight your experience in adjusting content strategies based on audience engagement metrics.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your editorial judgment and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your thought process in real-time decision-making situations, particularly how you would curate content across different formats under pressure.
