program director

American  

noun

Radio and Television.

1. a chief executive responsible for selecting and scheduling programs.

---

Etymology

Origin of program director

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

“Everyone’s first reaction when I tell them that this is what we’re doing now is, ‘What?’ with a raised eyebrow,” said Samantha Pohlman, the affiliate’s aesthetics program director.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

"Both Mikaela and Lindsey are almost one-offs," said Bradley Wall, SSCV's Alpine program director, speaking before the Olympics.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

The program director, Kathy, slid me a scrap of paper.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

I point out the irony, therefore, of making heat pumps here to TJ Root, Octopus's Cosy program director, after my factory tour.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

He said, ‘Sir, I’ve been given guidance by the program director to give completely different directions.’

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell