Norman Lear Center
@learcenter.bsky.social
Studying & Shaping the Impact of Entertainment & Media on Society. Based at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.
Reposted by Norman Lear Center
We are delighted to announce the 2026 Norman Lear Awards where we will be celebrating 10 TV shows whose storytelling makes a difference across critical health and social issues. This year's ceremony is hosted by Jay Pharoah on Oct. 29 in Beverly Hills! hollywoodhealthandsociety.org/2026-norman-...
September 10, 2026 at 8:39 PM
We are delighted to announce the 2026 Norman Lear Awards where we will be celebrating 10 TV shows whose storytelling makes a difference across critical health and social issues. This year's ceremony is hosted by Jay Pharoah on Oct. 29 in Beverly Hills! hollywoodhealthandsociety.org/2026-norman-...
Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan joins author and filmmaker Jon Boorstin to discuss 'The American,' a new book exploring family, history, identity and the stories that get left out.
At its heart is what it means to be American.
Watch: youtu.be/aoxXeLM81Tk?...
At its heart is what it means to be American.
Watch: youtu.be/aoxXeLM81Tk?...
Jon Boorstin Discusses The American with Marty Kaplan
YouTube video by UGAPress
youtu.be
September 9, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan joins author and filmmaker Jon Boorstin to discuss 'The American,' a new book exploring family, history, identity and the stories that get left out.
At its heart is what it means to be American.
Watch: youtu.be/aoxXeLM81Tk?...
At its heart is what it means to be American.
Watch: youtu.be/aoxXeLM81Tk?...
What happens on screen can shape conversations about death off screen.
On What About Death!?, @hollywdhealth.bsky.social's Kate Folb and our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal discuss how we work with creatives to inform authentic end-of-life stories and research their impact on audiences.
On What About Death!?, @hollywdhealth.bsky.social's Kate Folb and our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal discuss how we work with creatives to inform authentic end-of-life stories and research their impact on audiences.
August 27, 2026 at 5:10 PM
What happens on screen can shape conversations about death off screen.
On What About Death!?, @hollywdhealth.bsky.social's Kate Folb and our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal discuss how we work with creatives to inform authentic end-of-life stories and research their impact on audiences.
On What About Death!?, @hollywdhealth.bsky.social's Kate Folb and our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal discuss how we work with creatives to inform authentic end-of-life stories and research their impact on audiences.
In a new Forbes interview, 'The Pitt' executive producer Simran Baidwan highlights our recent study on the show's real-world impact, including findings that show's organ donation storyline inspired viewers to learn more about becoming donors.
www.forbes.com/sites/markhu...
www.forbes.com/sites/markhu...
Interview: ‘The Pitt’ Simran Baidwan On Care And Grace Under Pressure
"The Pitt" EP and writer Simran Baidwan explains the Emmy-winning series commitment to authenticity in both medical and human terms.
www.forbes.com
July 14, 2026 at 3:07 PM
In a new Forbes interview, 'The Pitt' executive producer Simran Baidwan highlights our recent study on the show's real-world impact, including findings that show's organ donation storyline inspired viewers to learn more about becoming donors.
www.forbes.com/sites/markhu...
www.forbes.com/sites/markhu...
In accepting the Walter Cronkite Award, CBS News's
Scott Pelley offered a powerful defense of journalism and its role in serving the public. Today, perhaps more than ever, his remarks are worth hearing.
Scott Pelley offered a powerful defense of journalism and its role in serving the public. Today, perhaps more than ever, his remarks are worth hearing.
June 2, 2026 at 3:01 PM
In accepting the Walter Cronkite Award, CBS News's
Scott Pelley offered a powerful defense of journalism and its role in serving the public. Today, perhaps more than ever, his remarks are worth hearing.
Scott Pelley offered a powerful defense of journalism and its role in serving the public. Today, perhaps more than ever, his remarks are worth hearing.
Entertainment can shape social norms, influence health outcomes, and drive measurable social impact.
On May 18 at #CannesFilmFestival Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social joins leaders from The World Bank and the University of Pennsylvania for a conversation hosted by The Impact Lounge.
On May 18 at #CannesFilmFestival Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social joins leaders from The World Bank and the University of Pennsylvania for a conversation hosted by The Impact Lounge.
May 14, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Entertainment can shape social norms, influence health outcomes, and drive measurable social impact.
On May 18 at #CannesFilmFestival Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social joins leaders from The World Bank and the University of Pennsylvania for a conversation hosted by The Impact Lounge.
On May 18 at #CannesFilmFestival Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social joins leaders from The World Bank and the University of Pennsylvania for a conversation hosted by The Impact Lounge.
Expert-informed narratives strengthen storytelling and raise standards industry-wide, says Kate Folb, @hollywdhealth.bsky.social Director: “Because [The Pitt] is so incredibly accurate, other medical shows ...feel like they really have to up their game." www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
Faculty Consulted on Blockbusters Like “The Pitt,” “Sinners”
From Only Murders in the Building to The Pitt, faculty members are lending their expertise to Hollywood to help tell an accurate story.
www.insidehighered.com
April 27, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Expert-informed narratives strengthen storytelling and raise standards industry-wide, says Kate Folb, @hollywdhealth.bsky.social Director: “Because [The Pitt] is so incredibly accurate, other medical shows ...feel like they really have to up their game." www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
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: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
The full talk can be found here: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
April 24, 2026 at 3:08 PM
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: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
The full talk can be found here: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
If climate stories only show catastrophe, do audiences feel powerless?
Our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our body on research on climate storytelling at the @sierraclub.org symposium and how stories can shift narratives and drive action.
Watch: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
Our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our body on research on climate storytelling at the @sierraclub.org symposium and how stories can shift narratives and drive action.
Watch: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
April 17, 2026 at 8:48 PM
If climate stories only show catastrophe, do audiences feel powerless?
Our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our body on research on climate storytelling at the @sierraclub.org symposium and how stories can shift narratives and drive action.
Watch: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
Our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our body on research on climate storytelling at the @sierraclub.org symposium and how stories can shift narratives and drive action.
Watch: www.youtube.com/live/y0XqBFA...
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: www.ijpc.org/page/journal...
A new IJPC Journal special section begins to change that, offering first-of-its-kind analysis across film, TV, and literature.
Read more: www.ijpc.org/page/journal...
April 15, 2026 at 1:12 AM
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: www.ijpc.org/page/journal...
A new IJPC Journal special section begins to change that, offering first-of-its-kind analysis across film, TV, and literature.
Read more: www.ijpc.org/page/journal...
The first-ever USC symposium exploring the intersection of arts, health, medicine and wellness brings together faculty, artists & healthcare leaders for panels, talks, and live demos. Opening keynote by Kate Folb, director of our @hollywdhealth.bsky.social program: calendar.usc.edu/event/arts-h...
Arts + Health: A USC Arts Now Symposium
calendar.usc.edu
February 17, 2026 at 5:19 PM
The first-ever USC symposium exploring the intersection of arts, health, medicine and wellness brings together faculty, artists & healthcare leaders for panels, talks, and live demos. Opening keynote by Kate Folb, director of our @hollywdhealth.bsky.social program: calendar.usc.edu/event/arts-h...
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:
www.cronkiteawards.org/2025ceremony...
Watch highlights from the 2025 acceptance speeches:
www.cronkiteawards.org/2025ceremony...
February 12, 2026 at 2:28 AM
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:
www.cronkiteawards.org/2025ceremony...
Watch highlights from the 2025 acceptance speeches:
www.cronkiteawards.org/2025ceremony...
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). bit.ly/4c7HDou
Featured in the Los Angeles Times (De Los). bit.ly/4c7HDou
New study shows Latinos account for only 6% of roles in top U.S. broadcast series
The data comes from a new study by ¡Pa’lante!, a Latino representation initiative from the USC Norman Lear Center, that examines the status and cultural impact of Latino representation in entertainmen...
bit.ly
February 3, 2026 at 5:36 PM
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). bit.ly/4c7HDou
Featured in the Los Angeles Times (De Los). bit.ly/4c7HDou
Latino communities span 20+ countries, each with distinct cultures, yet that specificity rarely appears on screen. While Latino actors reflect a wide range of backgrounds, the characters they’re cast as are far more limited. Our new report explores these gaps: learcenter.org/latinorepresentation
¡Pa’lante! Latinos in Entertainment
Read the Press Release The Wrap Lear Center Launches New Initiative to Research Representation on TV | Exclusive
learcenter.org
January 31, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Latino communities span 20+ countries, each with distinct cultures, yet that specificity rarely appears on screen. While Latino actors reflect a wide range of backgrounds, the characters they’re cast as are far more limited. Our new report explores these gaps: learcenter.org/latinorepresentation
LIVE today at 10am PT: Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our Lear Center research on audience reactions to HBO Max's 'The Pitt.'
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
California ER Doctors Reflect on ‘The Pitt’ Effect | KQED
We talk to California ER physicians about the effect TV show 'The Pitt' has had on their lives and work.
www.kqed.org
January 27, 2026 at 4:58 PM
LIVE today at 10am PT: Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shares our Lear Center research on audience reactions to HBO Max's 'The Pitt.'
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
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.
tomorrowwillbetelevised.com/episodes/tom...
tomorrowwillbetelevised.com/episodes/tom...
January 16, 2026 at 1:08 AM
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.
tomorrowwillbetelevised.com/episodes/tom...
tomorrowwillbetelevised.com/episodes/tom...
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. learcenter.org/ThePitt
parade.com/news/medical...
parade.com/news/medical...
Medical Doctors Say ‘The Pitt’ Gets It Right — Here's Why That Actually Matters
A USC study found that the Max drama resonates for its realism, and can even move audiences to seek out health information.
parade.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:40 AM
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. learcenter.org/ThePitt
parade.com/news/medical...
parade.com/news/medical...
ICYMI: Rachel Maddow, Scott Pelley, Peter Alexander and others joined Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan on stage for the 2025 Walter Cronkite Awards at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The full event video is here:
www.c-span.org/program/publ...
www.c-span.org/program/publ...
Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in TV Political Journalism
Recipients of the 2025 Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in TV Political Journalism participate in an award ceremony in Washington, DC.
www.c-span.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
ICYMI: Rachel Maddow, Scott Pelley, Peter Alexander and others joined Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan on stage for the 2025 Walter Cronkite Awards at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The full event video is here:
www.c-span.org/program/publ...
www.c-span.org/program/publ...
Streaming now on C-SPAN2 & the C-SPAN app |
YouTube | Hulu + Live TV
YouTube | Hulu + Live TV
December 12, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Streaming now on C-SPAN2 & the C-SPAN app |
YouTube | Hulu + Live TV
YouTube | Hulu + Live TV
Our Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social has partnered with @worldbank and global leaders in Abuja, Nigeria for Entertaining Change—a gathering exploring how storytelling and strategy can drive social impact.
The conversation continues in Lagos, streaming live here: youtube.com/@evgworld1
The conversation continues in Lagos, streaming live here: youtube.com/@evgworld1
youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Our Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social has partnered with @worldbank and global leaders in Abuja, Nigeria for Entertaining Change—a gathering exploring how storytelling and strategy can drive social impact.
The conversation continues in Lagos, streaming live here: youtube.com/@evgworld1
The conversation continues in Lagos, streaming live here: youtube.com/@evgworld1
This week, our Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social has convened with #TheWorldBank and global partners in Nigeria for "Entertaining Change" — a powerful gathering that is exploring how storytelling and strategy can drive social impact at scale.
www.worldbank.org/en/events/20...
www.worldbank.org/en/events/20...
November 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
This week, our Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social has convened with #TheWorldBank and global partners in Nigeria for "Entertaining Change" — a powerful gathering that is exploring how storytelling and strategy can drive social impact at scale.
www.worldbank.org/en/events/20...
www.worldbank.org/en/events/20...
Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Grateful that I had the opportunity to consult on the @learcenter.bsky.social's latest study, which looked at the impact of The Pitt's organ donation and end-of-life care storylines on viewers: www.mediaimpactproject.org/thepitt.html
Life & Death in The Pitt
For nearly 25 years, our Hollywood, Health & Society program has served as a free and trusted resource to the entertainment industry, providing accurate information and access to experts for...
www.mediaimpactproject.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Grateful that I had the opportunity to consult on the @learcenter.bsky.social's latest study, which looked at the impact of The Pitt's organ donation and end-of-life care storylines on viewers: www.mediaimpactproject.org/thepitt.html
Us too ❤️
September 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Us too ❤️
Congrats to HBO Max’s The Pitt on its Emmy wins — Outstanding Drama Series plus honors for Noah Wyle & Katherine LaNasa! @hollywdhealth.bsky.social helped connect the writers with experts so stories, characters & challenges felt real. Research on how it resonates with audiences will be out this fall
September 15, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Congrats to HBO Max’s The Pitt on its Emmy wins — Outstanding Drama Series plus honors for Noah Wyle & Katherine LaNasa! @hollywdhealth.bsky.social helped connect the writers with experts so stories, characters & challenges felt real. Research on how it resonates with audiences will be out this fall
Celebrating stories that make a difference!
From The Pitt to Matlock to Shrinking, the New Norman Lear Awards honor TV tackling racism, climate, addiction & more—marking 25 years of honoring storytelling that sparks change.
deadline.com/2025/09/the-...
From The Pitt to Matlock to Shrinking, the New Norman Lear Awards honor TV tackling racism, climate, addiction & more—marking 25 years of honoring storytelling that sparks change.
deadline.com/2025/09/the-...
‘The Pitt,’ ‘Matlock,’ ‘Shrinking’ & More Among New Norman Lear Awards
The Pitt, Matlock, Shrinking and others have been honored with Hollywood, Health & Society's renamed Norman Lear Awards for TV.
deadline.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Celebrating stories that make a difference!
From The Pitt to Matlock to Shrinking, the New Norman Lear Awards honor TV tackling racism, climate, addiction & more—marking 25 years of honoring storytelling that sparks change.
deadline.com/2025/09/the-...
From The Pitt to Matlock to Shrinking, the New Norman Lear Awards honor TV tackling racism, climate, addiction & more—marking 25 years of honoring storytelling that sparks change.
deadline.com/2025/09/the-...