First News Broadcast Director

WDAY , the number #1 station located in the Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN metro area, broadcasts across the entire state of North Dakota, Western Minnesota, and Eastern South Dakota. WDAY is an award-winning station, taking home multiple Emmy awards as well as regional and national Edward R Murrow awards in recent years. They produce more live, local sports coverage than anyone in the region, and are the proud home of North Dakota State University Athletics and North Dakota High School Activities State Tournaments. WDAY is part of Forum Communications Company, a 5th-generation family-owned media company, and produces over 40 hours of local news, weather, and sports content each week, making them the most watched news station in the state of North Dakota and Western Minnesota.

Job Summary

The First News Broadcast Director handles technical direction and oversees production of TV newscasts from the studio (or remotely, for live broadcast or electronic recordings), is the main point person for all production newscasts, and ensures that the final output meets established quality standards. The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 4am - 12pm.

Essential Functions

• Direct and code assigned newscasts using the Ross OverDrive automation system to ensure smooth and accurate on-air execution.
• Collaborate with newsroom staff, producers, and production teams to troubleshoot technical issues and support the delivery of compelling, high-quality broadcasts.
• Serve as the key communication liaison between on-air talent and production staff during live newscasts.
• Ingest paid programming content and other video elements as assigned.
• Produce promotional content and fulfill various video production needs across the station.
• Operate studio control room equipment and assist with technical production functions as needed.
• Support fast-paced live production environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with 1–3 years of broadcast, production, technical directing, or related experience preferred.
• Experience with broadcast automation systems, production equipment, or technical directing is a plus; experience with Ross OverDrive is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and make sound decisions under deadline pressure.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to adjust schedules as needed to support breaking news coverage, staffing needs, or special events.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Availability to work Monday–Friday, 4:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., with occasional holiday or schedule adjustments as business needs require.

Expected compensation for this role is between $15.50 and $16.00/hour, based on qualifications and experience.

About The Company

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.