Herb Scannell Named President Of Southern California Public Radio

Scannell

Former NICKELODEON and BBC WORLDWIDE executive HERB SCANNELL has been named President/CEO at SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RADIO, operator of News-Talk KPCC/PASADENA-LOS ANGELES and LAIST.COM, starting in FEBRUARY.  SCANNELL, who served as Vice Chair of MTV NETWORKS and President of NICKELODEON in 1996 to 2006 and President of BBC WORLDWIDE AMERICA in 2010-14, replaces BILL DAVIS, who is moving to President Emeritus status after 18 years running the operation.

SCANNELL has also been a board member of NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO since 2000 and was Board President of that company, the parent of News-Talk WNYC-A-F, Classical WQXR, and podcast producer WNYC STUDIOS, in 2009-12.  Most recently, SCANNELL served as CEO of digital media company mitú in 2017-18.

"I began my career in radio, and I couldn't think of a better time, place or city to return to this medium I love," said SCANNELL. "We're experiencing an audio renaissance. Podcasts are blossoming and local public radio is filling a journalistic void left by the diminishing number of local newspapers. At the same time technology is changing the game with the emergence of smart speakers and -- very soon -- smart cars. CALIFORNIA and LOS ANGELES are the hub of both culture and innovation, and what happens here matters everywhere. I want to congratulate BILL DAVIS for what he has accomplished, and I thank the SCPR Board for giving me the opportunity to build upon his legacy."

"We are incredibly excited that HERB will lead SCPR through its next period of innovation and growth," said SCPR Board Chair ANA VALDEZ. "HERB has the perfect mix of media experience and commitment to public service journalism. And through his Puerto-Rican heritage, he brings a very deep and personal understanding of the power of diversity and the importance of authentically representing the audience we serve. We are also thrilled that BILL DAVIS will continue his relationship with SCPR as President Emeritus."

"I am profoundly honored to pass the baton to HERB SCANNELL," said DAVIS. "I've had an amazing run during the past 18 years, and I'm confident that HERB will lead SCPR to new heights. I look forward toward supporting HERB and everyone at SCPR through this transition as we move forward and realize our potential as a diversified media company."

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