Pearl Names Anne Schelle Managing Director

Anne Schelle, a 20-year veteran of the wireless and media industries, today was named Managing Director of Pearl, a partnership of broadcast companies formed in 2010 to develop next-generation digital media platforms and other ways of promoting local TV content for the broadcast industry.

Previously a senior adviser to the National Association of Broadcasters and executive director of the Open Mobile Video Coalition, Schelle led the outreach effort by broadcasters to introduce the mobile TV services now available from more than 130 local stations throughout the country. 

“Anne brings a wealth of media and wireless industry experience to the table,” said Pat LaPlatney, SVP at Raycom Media, one of Pearl’s member companies. “With many years of experience in operations, business development, marketing communications, and legislative/regulatory work, we believe Anne is the ideal candidate to serve as Pearl’s managing director.”

Pearl members include Cox Media Group, the E.W. Scripps Co., Gannett Co., Hearst Television, Media General, Meredith Local Media Group, Post-Newsweek Stations and Raycom Media. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to work on the innovate initiatives being explored by Pearl.  The assets of Pearl members reach millions of people and provide a vital link to communities.  Those opportunities will only grow as digital media distribution technology evolves and expands with local broadcasters and content providers,” Schelle said.

She is vice chairman of the Mobile Marketing Association’s North American board and vice chairman of the MMA’s video committee. She also served as manager of business development at LCC Inc., a cellular engineering consulting firm, and was a financial analyst for McCaw Cellular Communications, MCI/Airsignal.  She is also a past venture partner and CEO of Acta Wireless.