Herb Scannell has been named president of BBC Worldwide America.
Replacing Garth Ancier, who remains a non-executive director, Scannell will oversee U.S. operations for the British Broadcasting Corp. That includes cable channels BBC America and BBC America HD as well as BBC Worldwide Productions, BBC.com and sales and distribution.
Scannell most recently was CEO of NextNewNetworks, the digital media studio he founded in 2006; he is still on the company’s board. He also was president of Nickelodeon and vice chairman of MTV Networks.
BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith said in a statement: “Herb has a tremendous track record of success in developing and extending innovative brands across multiple platforms, which is precisely the experience needed to help build the next phase for BBC Worldwide in the U.S.”
Scannell said, “I’ve been associated with innovative brands and businesses throughout my career, and there’s none more innovative in television than the BBC.”
Scannell, in his new role, will be responsible for growing the BBC brand and the business across all divisions in the U.S. His responsibilities in the U.S. will include sales and distribution including digital syndication and Motion Gallery, home entertainment including audiobooks, and licensed consumer products. He will oversee the exploitation of BBC Worldwide’s global brands in the U.S. as well, and will sit on BBC Worldwide’s executive board.
BBC America, now in 67 million homes, programs shows ranging from British imports such as "Doctor Who" to the evening newscast "BBC World News America."
