Binder began his career working in radio as a disc jockey for English-only broadcasting in Europe during World War II. Moving on to television, he landed a directing job on The Soupy Sales Show and went on to direct The Steve Allen Show.
Binder’s experience in live television, his innovative camera techniques and passion for music were all manifested in his work on The T.A.M.I. Show (1964), the pioneering concert film that showcased such musical legends as The Supremes, The Rolling Stones and James Brown, and established him as leading variety director. He was influential in creating music programming with racially and ethnically diverse casts, featuring a variety of musical styles. In 1968 he directed and produced The Petula Clark Special, which featured “the touch”, the first time a man and woman of different races exchanged physical contact on American television. The same year, he produced and directed the famed Elvis: The '68 Comeback Special, which helped re-launch Presley's career and established Binder as a leading director in music and variety.
Binder won a Primetime Emmy in 1977 for Outstanding Special Comedy-Variety or Music for The Barry Manilow Special, and has received seven additional Emmy nominations. He was also the recipient of a Cable ACE Award for the 1983 Diana Ross Central Park Concert Special. Binder is the author of Elvis: ’68 at 40 Retrospective.