USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center

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

10/05/2026

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.

09/10/2026

Our Hollywood, Health & Society proudly announces the 2026 Norman Lear Awards hosted by Jay Pharoah! The annual event pays tribute to TV storytelling that positively impacts health and culture, and will take place on October 29th in Beverly Hills.

Ten TV shows will be honored for their portrayal of critical health topics such as healthcare access and disparities, clinical trial advancement, mental health, climate change, reproductive rights, sleep disorders, and national security.

💫 We look forward to celebrating this year’s honorees!

Read about it here: https://hollywoodhealthandsociety.org/2026-norman-lear-awards/

09/08/2026

Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan joins author and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jon Boorstin to discuss The American: The Hidden History of Daniel J. Boorstin and His Twentieth Century.

Part biography and part family history, the book explores what gets left out of history and what those untold stories can teach us about America today. Their conversation touches on immigration, antisemitism, race, the Tulsa Race Massacre, and an enduring question: what does it mean to be an American?

https://youtu.be/aoxXeLM81Tk?si=OA2GAhD-qyo8PF8W

08/27/2026

Stories can change how we think about death and dying.

On the latest episode of What About Death!?, Hollywood, Health & Society Director Kate Folb and Lear Center Director of Research Erica Rosenthal discuss the work we do helping to bring more authentic, thoughtful portrayals of end-of-life issues to entertainment.

From connecting writers and producers with healthcare experts to researching how these stories affect audiences, Kate and Erica share how we’re working both behind the scenes and beyond the screen to understand and strengthen the impact of storytelling.

Listen to the episode "Flipping the Channel on Death" on your favorite podcast platform.

08/25/2026

“Appeasement is not a strategy.”

That assessment from Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan is the headline of a new Financial Times article examining a shift in how major media organizations are responding to government pressure.

Kaplan tells the FT that media companies are recognizing that settling, self-censoring, or avoiding confrontation may not insulate them from challenges. Some are instead taking an assertive approach through litigation and the First Amendment to protect their editorial independence.

“Media companies now understand that appeasement is not a strategy. They are taking the initiative,” he says.

The article is behind a paywall, but it’s an important review of the evolving relationship between media companies, the government, and ultimately freedom of the press.

Link in the comments.