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Norman Lear Center

@learcenter.bsky.social
152 followers 76 following 50 posts

Studying & Shaping the Impact of Entertainment & Media on Society. Based at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.

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Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Hollywood, Health & Society @hollywdhealth.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
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-...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
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?...
youtu.be
Jon Boorstin Discusses The American with Marty Kaplan
YouTube video by UGAPress
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
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.
What about Death!? Podcast Logo. Pictures of Kate Folb and Erica Rosenthal. And the text "Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
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...
forbes.com
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
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...
insidehighered.com
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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...
calendar.usc.edu
Arts + Health: A USC Arts Now Symposium
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
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
bit.ly
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
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
learcenter.org
¡Pa’lante! Latinos in Entertainment
Read the Press Release The Wrap Lear Center Launches New Initiative to Research  Representation on TV | Exclusive
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
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...
kqed.org
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
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
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
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...
c-span.org
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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Streaming now on C-SPAN2 & the C-SPAN app | YouTube | Hulu + Live TV
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
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
youtube.com
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
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...
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Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Beth Hoffman @bethlhoffman.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
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
mediaimpactproject.org
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...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Us too ❤️
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
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
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
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-...
deadline.com
‘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.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
In the @financialtimes.com: Colbert may keep skewering CBS until he is let go then turn to podcasts or streaming, says Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan. Don’t expect a comedy successor — “what the new ownership wants CBS to be is not what brilliant comedy is about.” bit.ly/4lbkq5W
bit.ly
Stephen Colbert, the cancelled late night TV host
The comedian’s ousting ahead of Paramount’s $8bn sale to Skydance raises concerns about political interest in US media
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
Today we honor Norman Lear on what would have been his 103rd birthday. His belief that stories could spark conversation — and change — shaped television and culture. We continue exploring how media influences the way we see ourselves and each other — work made possible by his vision.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Can TV help fight cancer? Join @hollywdhealth for this virtual Lunch & Learn on using humor+storytelling to normalize breast, gynecologic & colorectal cancer screenings. Featuring public health experts+TV creatives. Aug 5 | ⏰ 12:30–1:30pm PT Online RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/tv-screens...
eventbrite.com
TV Screens for Cancer: New Approaches to a Difficult Subject
TV storylines can play a crucial role in getting the message out about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Most TV deaths are violent, but that’s not how most people die. Max's 'The Pitt' got it right — thanks to guidance from @hollywdhealth.bsky.social and #EndWell showing the real emotional and ethical complexities of end-of-life care. www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
medscape.com
What ‘The Pitt’ Can Teach Us About Hospital Deaths
Can more accurate portrayals of natural death in the media improve awareness and understanding of this part of life? One doctor wants to find out.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Accuracy matters—especially when it comes to health storylines on TV. Aspen Ideas: Health invited Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Zoanne Clack,MD, and Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan to talk about how entertainment can drive understanding—and why getting it right is more than just good storytelling.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
What a privilege to know Bill Moyers as a journalist and a friend. His boundless curiosity, penetrating mind, generosity, humanity — he taught us all so much. I'm grateful to have had him in my life, & I join so many of Bill's colleagues & friends in sending condolences to Judith & their family.-MK
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Today! 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PT Storytelling in the Age of Climate. How can filmmakers tackle the climate crisis and tell unforgettable stories? Our Director of Research Erica Rosenthal joins this virtual panel on blending real science with powerful, cinematic storytelling.
filmindependent.org
Sloan Salon: Storytelling in the Age of Climate: Big Screen, Real Stakes - Film Independent
As climate change shapes our reality, it also transforms the stories we tell. Film Independent is proud to partner with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
How do filmmakers tell powerful stories about the climate crisis—without losing the heart? Research Dir. Erica Rosenthal joins this virtual #SloanSalon conversation with writers, producers & researchers. Hosted by @filmindependent.org and @sloanfoundation.bsky.social shorturl.at/pzJ2E
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
The harms of social media go far beyond kids and teens—but are stories and coverage keeping up? Our new study funded by @luminategroup.bsky.social explores how news and entertainment portray tech’s impact on society—and what audiences want to see. ➜ learcenter.org/technology
learcenter.org
Big Tech in Media
To understand how the harms of social media and technology are covered in media and entertainment — as well as audiences' appetites for such stories — we conducted a multi-method study across...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
“These two are always on stage and aware of it,” says @martykaplan.bsky.social of Trump and Newsom. Their clash isn’t just about policy — it’s about perception and control of the narrative. The fight over California has become a national drama about democracy itself.
theglobeandmail.com
Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom are complicated combatants
The two are in the spotlight in a dramatic dispute over both values and tactics
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
We’re proud to be a community partner of the 2025 Hollywood Climate Summit—June 2–4 in LA & online! 🌎 Get 50% off w/ code PARTNERHCS25 Explore how storytelling can power climate action. 🎟 hollywoodclimatesummit.com/tickets
hollywoodclimatesummit.com
TICKETING | HCS 2025
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan reflects on a hard truth in today's Guardian: the show that once redefined TV journalism is now caught between profits and principles — and under Trump’s pressure, it’s the principles that are at risk. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Trump v 60 Minutes is a stunning battle for the soul of US media
The US president’s tensions with the CBS show barely scratch the surface of his crusade against the media
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Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Johanna Blakley @mojojohanna.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Considering that 1 in 5 Americans describe themselves as having Latino heritage, it is shocking how little screentime they receive in film & TV. This new program @learcenter.bsky.social starts to address the problem. #storiesmatter
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Director Marty Kaplan on Hollywood’s shifting approach to diversity: “Really never, but especially right now, no studio wants its movie branded as a D.E.I. lesson.”
nytimes.com
Inside the Controversy Surrounding Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Remake
The dwarfs. The casting. The politics of the lead actress. And that wig! Is Disney’s live-action remake of the classic film doomed by culture war skirmishes?
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Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Dinah Lenney @dinahlenney.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
"We enter into parallel worlds that give us the chance to explore “what if” scenarios: What would I do in that situation? How are my values similar or different?" @mojojohanna.bsky.social about the work she does @learcenter.bsky.social voyagela.com/interview/da...
voyagela.com
Daily Inspiration: Meet Johanna Blakley
Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Blakley Hi Johanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to spee...
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Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Hollywood, Health & Society @hollywdhealth.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Hi hi Marty, our @learcenter.bsky.social director! #SleeplessInHollywood
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
We're #SleeplessInHollywood! Check out @hollywdhealth.bsky.social's free panel on #SleepDisorders this Thursday, March 13th at Writers Guild of America West in collaboration with #ProjectSleep. They'll be providing complimentary free parking for attendees – just be sure to RVSP at buff.ly/zr5b0Ro
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Meet Managing Director @mojojohanna.bsky.social. She studies how media, culture and tech shape entertainment and public opinion. She’s also finished a novel based on her work that explores how AI & entertainment could fundamentally change the world. Read her #VoyageLA profile: lear.center/4ifGOKj
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Our @hollywdhealth.bsky.social program connected The Pitt’s producers and writers with Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, whose experience as a medical director helped shaped the show’s plot points. Check out The Pitt on HBO Max. www.pitt.edu/pittwire/fea...
pitt.edu
How this Pitt professor lent her voice to a hit medical drama
The School of Medicine’s Sylvia Owusu-Ansah shared her story with writers of HBO Max’s “The Pitt.”
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
We've launched a new research hub for organizations and individuals committed to improving #LatinoRepresentation across the entertainment industry, leveraging research and evaluation findings to pinpoint successes, failures and best practices for progress. Read more: lear.center/latinorepres...
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
On the anniversary of Norman Lear's passing, we at the Norman Lear Center pause to honor the legacy of a visionary who transformed television.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
It's #GivingTuesday! We conducted a study to see how charitable giving is represented in news and entertainment, as well as what types of media content are consumed by potential donor audiences: Check out the full report here: lear.center/charitablegi...
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Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Hollywood, Health & Society @hollywdhealth.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
#FlashbackFriday to our #SentinelAwards last month! Thank you so much @jimmykimmel.bsky.social for dropping into our awards ceremony ✨ Watch the full ceremony at lear.center/2024sentinelawards-video
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Kate Folb of @hollywdhealth.bsky.social leads a discussion on #caregiving in entertainment at the SIE Conference on Dec 5 at the LA Skirball. Feat DJ Nash, showrunner #AMillionLittleThings; Jonny Gomez, writer #ThisisUs; and Lydia Storie of @caringacrossgen.bsky.social. conference.siesociety.org
Headshots of DJ Nash, showrunner of A Million Little Things; Kate Folb, director of the Lear Center's Hollywood, Health & Society, and Jonny Gomez, writer of This is Us.
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Norman Lear Center @learcenter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
✨ @hollywdhealth.bsky.social's 2024 #SentinelAwards ceremony now viewable online! Check it out at lear.center/2024sentinel... Learn more about their annual gala at lear.center/2024sentinel... 🏆 #becausestoriesmatter
lear.center
2024 Sentinel Awards (Full Show)
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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