Norman Lear Center

Studying & Shaping the Impact of Entertainment & Media on Society. Based at @USCAnnenberg.

See also: @mediametrics (research) | @hollywdhealth (outreach)

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

In accepting the Walter Cronkite Award, CBS News's @ScottPelley offered a powerful defense of journalism and its role in serving the public. Today, perhaps more than ever, his remarks are worth hearing.

#Journalism #PressFreedom #Media #Democracy

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

Our @HollywdHealth Director @Katefolb joins this panel at @ATXFestival on the real-world impact of medical accuracy on TV.

The conversation explores how storytelling shapes audience understanding of health, healthcare, prevention & trust in medicine.
https://t.co/mnBiwvcYjc

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

More information can be found here:
https://t.co/LhKKYPeHrG

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

Entertainment can shape social norms, influence health outcomes, and drive measurable social impact.

On May 18 at #CannesFilmFestivali Managing Director @Mojojohanna joins leaders from The World Bank + @Penn for a conversation hosted by The Impact Lounge.

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

Expert-informed narratives strengthen storytelling and raise standards industry-wide, says Kate Folb, @HollywdHealth Director: “Because [The Pitt] is so incredibly accurate, other medical shows ...feel like they really have to up their game." https://t.co/Rc1JLIhZTM

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

If climate stories only show disaster…do we start to believe nothing can change? Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares how storytelling can move audiences from fear to action.

The full talk can be found here: https://t.co/haeOc2Dzm8

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

If climate stories only show catastrophe, do audiences feel powerless?

Our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shared our research on climate storytelling at the recent @sierraclub symposium, exploring how stories can shift narratives and drive action.

https://t.co/6PYGJdi6DB

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

There’s been almost no research on how Black journalists are portrayed in popular culture.

A new IJPC Journal special section begins to change that, offering first-of-its-kind analysis across film, TV, and literature.

Read more: https://t.co/mT2gUG6Fpk

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

The Walter Cronkite Awards introduced a new category recognizing comedic news and political satire — honoring Jon Stewart as its inaugural recipient. Watch the full event at https://t.co/UwPj344wvs

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

At @USCVandV’s Arts + Health Symposium, Noah Wyle and The Pitt team revealed what makes the show feel real: medical accuracy. With support from @HollywdHealth, writers collaborate with health experts to ground every storyline. Read more: https://t.co/9tyvao6nUB

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

@IAmAmnaNawaz @GeoffRBennett

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

In a nonstop news cycle, how do we tackle the big questions?

@PBS @NewsHour’s “On Democracy” won its Cronkite Award for its examination of democratic norms under threat, a strained rule of law, and press freedom under attack. Watch the full awards: https://t.co/bWlmcFxgsa

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

The first-ever USC symposium exploring the intersection of arts, health, medicine & wellness brings together faculty, artists & healthcare leaders for panels, talks, and live demos. Opening keynote by @Katefolb, director of our @HollywdHealth program. https://t.co/Da05x9V98A

[Johanna Blakley @Mojojohanna]

Check out inspiring speeches from @maddow, @jonstewart, @JulioVaqueiro, @jdickerson & @PeterAlexander at our Cronkite Awards ceremony. #journalismmatters

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

The Walter Cronkite Awards For Excellence in Political Journalism honor reporting that holds power accountable and strengthens democracy through accuracy, independence, and integrity.

Watch highlights from the 2025 acceptance speeches:
https://t.co/GStqrqQYYV

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population—but just 6% of roles in top broadcast TV. Our latest research examines how Latino characters are portrayed—and what’s missing.

Featured in the Los Angeles Times (De Los). https://t.co/NStHqmaDfJ

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

Latino communities span 20+ countries with distinct cultures, yet that specificity rarely appears on screen. While Latino actors reflect many backgrounds, the characters they’re cast as are far more limited. Our new report explores these gaps: https://t.co/upwUkNwHCg

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

LIVE today at 10am PT: Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our Lear Center research on audience reactions to HBO Max's 'The Pitt.'

https://t.co/mpbCUkJWDH

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

How does the medical community view HBO Max’s Emmy-winning drama The Pitt? Lear Center Research Director Erica Rosenthal and Hollywood, Health & Society Director Kate Langrall Folb break it down on the podcast Tomorrow Will Be Televised.

https://t.co/IV6qNuwy5m

[Norman Lear Center @LearCenter]

As The Pitt enters season two, new Lear Center research shows that thoughtful medical storytelling resonates with clinicians — and motivates audiences to seek out and share real-world health information. https://t.co/d09naeslgQ

https://t.co/x7TmVqbsBV