Herb Scannell

Herb Scannell is President and CEO of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media organization that includes LAist 89.3 (formerly KPCC), LAist.com and a bourgeoning slate of successful podcasts. Herb has had a successful and diversified career within the media industry in traditional “big media,” with global brands, and in digital media startups.

As CEO of mitú, he led the top digital media brand for Latino millennials. Prior to that, Herb served as President of BBC Worldwide, North America, where his responsibilities included the flagship cable channel BBC America and distribution of BBC World News, BBC Worldwide Productions LA, BBC.com, Sales and Distribution, and Home Entertainment and Licensed Consumer Products. A member of the BBC Worldwide Executive Board, Herb initiated and consummated for BBC Worldwide a deal with AMC Networks to buy half of BBC America, positioning it for growth with increased leverage with cable operators and advertisers, and additive co-production commitments across the AMC stable of networks.

Beginning in 2006, Herb served as CEO of Next New Networks, an innovator in online video. At Next New Networks, he identified next generation media makers and made-for-the-internet original shows to advance a strategy of creating and managing a portfolio of super niche channels. Next New was acquired by Google/YouTube in 2011.

The majority of Herb's career was at Viacom/MTV Networks, culminating in the position of Vice Chairman MTV Networks/President Nickelodeon Networks where he launched Nick favorites Spongebob Squarepants, Blues Clues and Dora the Explorer among others. He oversaw all creative and business operations for a portfolio of brands and businesses for MTV Networks including: Nickelodeon, the #1 rated network in cable TV for 10 years running; TV Land, the cable home of classic TV; and Spike TV, the first network for men. Additionally, Herb was responsible for Nickelodeon's successful feature film division, making it the leader in kids online, and growing the Consumer Products division of Nickelodeon and Viacom, which grew into the third largest licensing business in the world.

Herb has been active in the nonprofit sector since 2000, when he joined the board of NY Public Radio, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2009-2012. As Chair, the organization purchased WQXR, the leading classical music station, acquired half of the NJ Public Radio stations closest to NYC, and plotted its strategic course with management to be a leading producer of podcasts birthing hits such as Here’s The Thing, Two Dope Queens, Death, Sex and Money, Freakonomics and more. Regularly, NYPR appears among Apple’s most popular podcasts. Additionally, Herb is a longstanding board member of Ballet Hispanico and the Latino Donor Collaborative.

Herb is a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts. Married to Sarah Reetz, they are parents to two wonderful young women.