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NewsNation Programming Specialist

Nexstar Media · Chicago, IL · $65,000–$80,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time a schedule error made it to air or listings. What happened and what did you change?

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes and build safeguards to prevent repeats.

How do you communicate schedule changes so that every team that needs to know actually knows?

What they are checking: Whether they close communication loops instead of assuming emails were read.

Tell me about the most complex scheduling period you've managed in your five-plus years in programming.

What they are checking: Whether their experience matches the scale and complexity of the role.

What would you do

A breaking news event forces a schedule change across multiple networks. What do you update, and who do you notify?

What they are checking: Whether they know the downstream effects on listings, traffic and internal teams.

You are juggling schedules for several networks and two urgent requests come in at once. How do you prioritize?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing priorities in a fast broadcast environment.

About the work

Walk me through how you build and update a long-range schedule in SIMS, including episodic data and inventory.

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on experience with the scheduling system the posting prefers.

How do you make sure programming metadata sent to listings providers is accurate?

What they are checking: Whether they have a checking process, since listing errors are visible to viewers.

What FCC-related programming requirements have you handled, and how did you track them?

What they are checking: Whether they understand compliance duties that come with broadcast programming.

How do you plan a programming event like a marathon or premiere stunt from start to finish?

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate the many pieces of a special programming event.

What details do you double-check before distributing a daily schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they have a consistent, careful routine for schedule accuracy.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Nexstar Media.

We are seeking an experienced Programming Specialist to support programming operations across multiple television networks. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of television programming and scheduling experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced broadcast environment. This role is responsible for maintaining programming schedules, managing metadata, working with listing services, supporting programming initiatives, and ensuring schedule accuracy. Experience with SIMS programming software and broadcast television operations is preferred. While this role is primarily based in the office, opportunity for workplace flexibility may be available based on business needs, departmental requirements, and manager discretion. Work location expectations may change as operational needs evolve and will be determined at management’s discretion. Key Responsibilities • Maintain, and distribute daily, weekly, and long-range programming schedules across multiple networks. • Build and update schedules in SIMS, including episodic data entry, inventory management, and schedule maintenance. • Coordinate programming events, including premieres, marathons, stunts, specials, and schedule changes. • Maintain accurate programming metadata and communicate updates to listings providers and internal teams. • Process FCC compliance certifications and assist with regulatory reporting. • Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts in collaboration with Programming, Traffic, Operations, Creative Services, and other departments. • Respond to viewer inquiries and assist with special programming projects as needed. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Broadcast Management, Media Studies, or related field, or equivalent experience. • 5+ years of experience in television programming, scheduling, programming operations, traffic, or related fields within a broadcast television environment, including a network, local station, station group, cable network, streaming service, or related media operation. • Working knowledge of SIMS programming and scheduling software. • Strong understanding of television scheduling strategies, broadcast operations, and programming workflows. • Experience managing programming metadata and maintaining schedule accuracy. • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office. • Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications • Experience scheduling multiple television networks simultaneously. • Familiarity with FCC regulations, broadcast standards, and compliance reporting. • Experience with television listings services and metadata providers. • Knowledge of Nielsen ratings and audience measurement. Key Competencies • Television programming and scheduling • Metadata management • Attention to detail • Time management and prioritization • Cross-functional collaboration • Adaptability and problem-solving • Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 #LI- On-site Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more. Part time employees are eligible for 401(k) and any local/state leave plans. Union positions are subject to the benefits outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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