WABC Director – Digital & Audience Engagement
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10142313 Location New York, New York, United States Business Disney Entertainment Television Date posted Feb. 12, 2026Job Summary:
Disney Entertainment’s eight-owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most-watched local news in New York and the United States. Quality news and programming, groundbreaking technology, and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation!
The Director of Digital & Audience Engagement is a key newsroom leader responsible for developing and executing the station’s digital content strategy across all platforms, including website, mobile app, social media, streaming, newsletters, OTT, and emerging technologies. This role ensures that digital storytelling meets high editorial standards, reflects the station’s brand, increases audience engagement, and drives measurable growth in reach and revenue.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who blends editorial judgment, audience analytics, innovation, and leadership. They will work closely with News, Community, Marketing, Sales, and Technology teams to expand digital-first journalism and deliver content that serves the local community 24/7.
Responsibilities
Digital Strategy & Leadership
Develop and implement a digital-first content strategy aligned with newsroom goals and audience growth targets.
Lead and mentor a digital content team, providing coaching, feedback, and performance guidance.
Create editorial calendars and coverage plans tied to key events, ratings periods, local trends, and viewer behavior.
Drive innovation in storytelling formats (short-form video, live streams, explainers, interactive graphics, polls, AI tools, etc.).
Content & Editorial Oversight
Oversee the creation, editing, and publication of content across all digital platforms.
Ensure accuracy, timeliness, legal compliance, and editorial ethics, in partnership with News leadership and Legal teams.
Prioritize breaking news, weather, investigative stories, and community impact reporting in real time.
Work collaboratively with producers, anchors, and reporters to adapt on-air stories for digital and social.
Audience Development & Analytics
Use various analytic tools to guide team on optimizing content and headlines, in addition to using tools to analyze posting strategy and growing audience engagement.
Establish data-driven KPIs, including impressions, engagement rates, video views, subscriptions, conversion, retention, and monetization.
Drive initiatives to grow audience segments, including Gen Z, bilingual viewers, and historically underserved communities.
Collaboration & Monetization
Partner with Sales & Marketing to create sponsored digital content, branded storytelling, and OTT opportunities.
Work with Promotions & Community Engagement teams to amplify station initiatives, town halls, and local partnerships.
Align digital strategy with station revenue goals while maintaining journalistic standards.
Innovation & Emerging Technologies
Identify and implement tools related to AI, SEO, CMS workflows, captioning, accessibility, automation, standard templates, and content tagging.
Stay current on industry trends: streaming, personalization, vertical video, newsletters, text alerts, podcasting, etc.
Evaluate new platforms and recommend expansion opportunities.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Minimum of 7+ years of newsroom or digital content experience, including editorial decision-making.
Strong leadership experience managing a fast-paced digital team.
Demonstrated expertise across content management systems, analytics tools, social platforms, & SEO best practices.
Proven track record of growing digital audiences and driving engagement.
Preferred Qualification:
Experience in local news or broadcasting environment.
Familiarity with AP Style and knowledge of FCC / legal standards.
Experience working with OTT platforms, newsletter strategy, and subscription models
Required Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Digital Media, or related field.
The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $160,500 to $215,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About Disney Entertainment Television:
Disney Entertainment Television is a collection of renowned content brands at The Walt Disney Company creating original entertainment and news programming for the company’s streaming platforms Disney+, Hulu and Star, and its broadcast and cable networks. Its extensive portfolio is comprised of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content and Onyx Collective, in addition to Disney Television Studios, which include 20th Television, 20th Television Animation, ABC Signature and Walt Disney Television Alternative. Responsible for over 4,500 hours of programming a year across more than 300 programs of all genres, Disney Entertainment Television’s creative brands are at the forefront of groundbreaking storytelling, captivating audiences and generating critical acclaim. In 2023, Disney Entertainment Television’s programming excellence earned 163 Emmy® nominations across daytime, primetime, news & documentary, and children’s & family categories.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with WABC Television (New York), LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment Television.
WABC Television (New York), LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.