Sr Director, Podcasts

Job Description

...
CNN is seeking a Senior Director of Podcasts to lead the evolution of its podcast
portfolio during a pivotal moment of transformation. This role is responsible for
overseeing the strategy, development and production of CNN's podcasts across video
and audio, with a strong emphasis on video-first formats.
The Senior Director of Podcasts will guide a portfolio of flagship news, franchise and
personality-driven shows; raise creative and production standards; and ensure that
CNN's podcasts are distinctive, audience-focused and commercially viable. This leader
will work closely with CNN talent, newsroom leadership, video, product and commercial
teams to ensure podcasts play a central role in CNN's broader editorial and business
strategy.
This role requires a senior editorial leader with deep experience in video and audio
podcasting, format development and video and audio production. The ideal candidate
brings strategic judgment, creative ambition, and operational discipline - and thrives at
the intersection of journalism, audience, and innovation.
Your Role Accountabilities ...
• Set and execute the editorial and strategic vision for CNN Podcasts across video
and audio, aligned with CNN's content strategy, journalistic standards, audience needs
and business priorities.
• Oversee the full podcast portfolio, including news, franchise, limited-series, and
personality-driven shows, ensuring each has a clear purpose, audience and success
metrics.
• Lead the evolution and drive the expansion of video podcasts , ensuring production
value, format and tone meet audience expectations and reflect CNN's strength in video.
• Ensure all podcasts deliver high editorial quality, strong storytelling and production
standards appropriate for both audio and video platforms.
• Drive the development, testing and launch of new podcast concepts that address
identified audience needs and strategic gaps.
• Evaluate performance regularly to determine where to invest, iterate, pause or
sunset shows based on audience engagement, growth and strategic value.
• Oversee staffing models, workflows, schedules and budgets to support efficient,
high-quality production across the slate.
• Lead, mentor and develop podcast producers and editors, fostering a collaborative,
high-performing team culture.
• Drive change effectively in a fast-paced, evolving media environment, aligning
podcast operations with CNN's broader video strategy.

Qualifications & Experience...
• 15+ years of experience in video journalism and podcasting with significant
responsibility for editorial content and production.
• Demonstrated experience developing, launching and managing successful video
podcasts and audio podcasts, ideally including video-forward or multi-modal formats.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing producers, editors, or cross-functional
creative teams in a newsroom or studio environment.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts, with a deep understanding of
news, culture and audience behavior.
• Proven ability to guide content strategy and execute change within an evolving
media landscape.
• Experience using audience insights, analytics and performance data to inform
content decisions.
• Familiarity with video and podcast distribution platforms, including YouTube, Apple
Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
• Comfort collaborating with senior newsroom leaders, on-air talent, and cross-
functional partners.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability
to manage complex workflows and competing priorities.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, 24/7 news
environment.

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, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status 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.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $156,100.00 - $289,900.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-23np75-18-97-14-88-42 in your application.