USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

Congratulations to Professor Joe Saltzman, director of our Image of the Journalist in Popular Culture IJPC project, on his induction into the USC Half Century Trojan Hall of Fame!

Saltzman was among the distinguished alumni honored this month for exemplifying the ideals of the Trojan Family and making a significant impact in their respective fields.

A USC professor for 59 consecutive years, Saltzman has dedicated much of his career to educating aspiring journalists; and through his IJPC project, examining how journalists are portrayed in popular culture.

His wife, Barbara (whom he met at the USC School of Journalism) introduced him and presented the award.

We're so proud to celebrate Joe's remarkable career, as well as his lifelong dedication to USC. ✌

Read more in the link in the comments.

10/16/2026

We're an Anthem Awards finalist! 🎉

Our research as well as the outreach efforts of our Hollywood, Health & Society program have earned us a spot among the finalists for The Anthem Awards, recognizing our work with HBO Max’s The Pitt and research examining its impact on audiences!

Through expert consultations with the show's writers and research examining its impact on audiences, our collaboration demonstrates how authentic entertainment storytelling can inform, engage and inspire real-world action.

Now we need your vote! Support our work by voting in the Anthem Community Voice Awards by October 29.

🗳️ Vote here: https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting #/2026/education-art-culture/content-media/non-profit

Learn more about "Life & Death in The Pitt" in the comments.

10/16/2026

You can check out our project at learcenter.org/thepitt

Voting ends on October 22!

Hollywood, Health & Society is a finalist for the 2026 The Anthem Awards for our work on The Pitt, an effort in collaboration with our research arm.

Support our work and VOTE by October 29.

https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting?utm_source=Social+Network&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=anthem_6_organic_social&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaf7R14oGyysFbtCGLVDdQNuimUhiOfGQPRcV7VeUC96ZIYKqBLx6uRgNO43nw_aem_N0PPyTt2nwrv8q4Z75ZL0g #/2026/education-art-culture/content-media/non-profit

10/13/2026

Our Popular Music Project Director Josh Kun and DJ/producer J.PERIOD are taking across the country, exploring how music can bridge differences, connect communities, and inspire new conversations.

In a new interview with The Fulcrum, Kun discusses the inspiration behind the project and how the art of DJing offers a powerful metaphor for bringing different histories, identities, and perspectives together.

Following stops in Los Angeles and Phoenix, the tour heads to Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 24!

Link to the interview is in the comments.

10/05/2026

Lear Center Director of Research Erica L. Rosenthal and Hollywood, Health & Society Director Kate Folb joined communications and social impact leaders from across the country at , The Communications Network's annual gathering last week in San Diego.

Their session, “Creating Meaningful Narratives: The Pitt,” used the acclaimed HBO Max series as a case study to explore how authentic entertainment storytelling can illuminate complex healthcare issues; and how research and entertainment-based strategies can advance narrative change and social impact.

Learn more about it at https://learcenter.org/thepitt

09/29/2026

We’re headed to in San Diego!

This Thursday, the Lear Center's Director of Research Erica Rosenthal and Hollywood, Health & Society Director Kate Folb will join Julia Layman of Synchronicity Collective for 'Creating Meaningful Narratives: The Pitt.'

Using the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series 'The Pitt' as a case study, they’ll explore how authentic entertainment storytelling can illuminate complex healthcare issues, shift narratives, and advance philanthropic and nonprofit goals.

Thursday, Oct. 1. 11:15 AM–12:20 PM

More information can be found via the link in the comments.

09/22/2026

For , we're sharing new research on how narcolepsy is represented on screen.

Our joint study with Project Sleep analyzed 56 films and TV series from 1983–2025 and found that many portrayals rely on exaggeration, stereotypes, and comedy. 80% used narcolepsy for comedic effect or as a punchline, while 82% of character portrayals featured exaggerated “sleep attacks” that don't reflect how narcolepsy typically presents.

'A Representation Wake-Up Call: Narcolepsy in Fictional Narrative Entertainment' explores what audiences have been seeing on screen for more than four decades—and how entertainment has shaped a narrow picture of the condition.

Link in the comments!

09/21/2026

A new Hollywood Reporter feature on the rise of athlete-led media companies highlights findings from our 2025 study, Owning the Narrative, an analysis of more than 370 athlete-owned media ventures.

Our research examined how athletes are building their own media companies to tell their own authentic stories, connect directly with fans, and challenge traditional media power structures.

As Coco Gauff launches her own production company, THR looks at how this growing movement is reshaping the entertainment business.

Check out the link to the story and our report in the comments.