Job Description

WIYY-FM (98ROCK) is one of the most respected and enduring rock stations in the country. For 48 years, under the same ownership (Hearst) and format, 98ROCK has been a staple in Baltimore, creating a legacy that spans multiple generations. As a perennial ratings leader, the station offers much more than music???it???s a hub for exclusive, high-value local content, including Baltimore Ravens football, Baltimore Orioles baseball, and market-leading entertainment shows during morning and afternoon drive times. Known as Baltimore???s most promotional dynamic station, 98ROCK hosts major events year-round and collaborates closely with its sister stations, WBAL-TV and WBAL News Radio, leveraging the robust resources of Hearst Television.

We???re seeking a passionate and innovative Program Director who understands the unique blend of music, talk, and community engagement that defines 98ROCK. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving ratings, fostering team growth, and leveraging digital platforms to expand audience reach. The salary range is $80,000 - $85,000 depending on experience. You will report directly to the President and General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 20, including on-air talent, producers, and support staff. Provide regular coaching and feedback.
• Collaborate with the sales team to create sponsorship opportunities tied to promotions, special programming, and feature content.
• Foster partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, record labels, and artist management.
• Support community-focused initiatives, including fundraising efforts for Special Olympics Maryland, WBAL Kids Campaign, Firefighters Local Widows and Orphans Fund, Alzheimer???s Association, and others.
• Innovate and execute strategies to grow digital platforms, including streaming, social media engagement, and YouTube subscribers.
• Work closely with the Creative Services Director to produce compelling television spots that drive listening and reinforce branding.
• Schedule and oversee online music tests throughout the year, including preparing song lists, perceptual questions, and editing/uploading song hooks.
• Develop ancillary sports programming around Baltimore Ravens and Orioles coverage, complementing play-by-play broadcasts.
• Analyze monthly Nielsen ratings to identify audience trends and opportunities.
• Design and manage the department budget
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and synergy with WBAL-TV and WBAL News Radio.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of experience programming a radio station, preferably in a rock format.
• Proven experience working with talk/music or talk-based shows.
• Expertise in music scheduling software and familiarity with Nielsen ratings analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• A passion for rock music, local sports, and community engagement.

Diversity Statement

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization as diverse and varied as the audience we reach, ensuring that the content we create is more compassionate, and more representative of the communities we serve.

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Paid Time Off
• LGBTQ+ Health Services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

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