Media Highlights

The Washington Post
You are hardwired to blindly trust AI. Here’s how to fight it.
June 3, 2025

Research Professor of Communication Kate Crawford was quoted in an article discussing how humans are hardwired to trust machines over humans, a bias worsened by today's use of generative AI like ChatGPT. 

The New York Times
Party Activists in California Aren’t Sold on a Harris Run for Governor
June 1, 2025

Adjunct Lecturer Daniel Schnur was quoted in an article discussing how, at the California Democratic Party convention, Kamala Harris’s absence and minimal engagement raised doubts among party activists about her seriousness and viability as a 2026 gubernatorial candidate.

The San Francisco Standard
The ICE agents disappearing your neighbors would like a little privacy, please
May 29, 2025

Professor of Professional Practice of Journalism and Director of Annenberg TV News Stacy Scholder was quoted in an article commenting on The Standard declining ICE’s request to blur agents’ faces after arrests, citing press freedom and the public’s right to know.

The Conversation
The hidden power of cultural exchanges in countering propaganda and fostering international goodwill
May 28, 2025

Professor of Communication and Global Communication Policy Fellow at the Center for Communication Leadership and Policy Nicholas J. Cull authored an article discussing the history of cultural diplomacy in the United States and its potential for fostering international goodwill.  
 

Forbes
Trump's 'War Of Words' With Russia Could Spark Global Conflict
May 28, 2025

Part-Time Lecturer of Communication Julianna Kirschner was quoted in an article about how President Trump's inflammatory social media attacks on Vladimir Putin have escalated tensions with Russia, drawing warnings that such rhetoric could dangerously blur the line between posturing and provocation. 

The Score
Without a U.S. TV deal, the PWHL risks stalling out
May 24, 2025

Professor of Professional Practice of Journalism Jeff Fellenzer was quoted in an article discussing how, despite strong fan support and high-quality play, the PWHL risks stalling without a U.S. TV deal to expand its visibility, attract new audiences and unlock the media revenue critical to sustainable growth.

Spectrum News 1 SoCal
Inside the Issues with Amrit Singh: House passes spending and tax bill
May 22, 2025

Adjunct Lecturer Daniel Schnur was interviewed about the House's passage of President Trump's tax and spending bill.

SheKnows
What Is Italian Brainrot? The AI-Generated Craze That’s Taking Over Kids Screens
May 12, 2025

Clinical Associate Professor of Communication and Associate Director of the Digital Social Media (MS) program Freddy Tran Nager was quoted in a story discussing how AI-generated, vaguely Italian memes like "Italian Brainrot" are taking over teen social media feeds, featuring surreal, text-to-speech characters like “Ballerina Cappuccina.”

Variety
Women Direct Only 11% of Top-Grossing Films Globally, According to New Study From Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
May 12, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Stacy L. Smith was mentioned in an article about a new study from the Initiative which found that women comprise 11.6% of the directors of global films.

Forbes
What Is ‘Italian Brain Rot’? The Surreal TikTok Obsession, Explained
May 3, 2025

Clinical Associate Professor of Communication and Associate Director of the Digital Social Media (MS) program Freddy Tran Nager was quoted in a story about “Italian brain rot,” a trending TikTok meme that pairs AI-generated content with “cartoonish” Italian accents. 

The Washington Post
Why the ‘Rust’ director finished the movie — and left out its tragic scene
May 1, 2025

Associate Professor of Professional Practice of Communication and Co-Director of the Communication Management (MCG) Program Monica Koyama was quoted in a story discussing Director Joel Souza’s decision to complete the film "Rust" as a tribute to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was fatally shot on set in 2021. 

CBS Sunday Morning
YouTube turns 20: From cat videos to AI
April 27, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the Global Media and Communication (MA) program David R. Craig was interviewed for a story discussing the social media landscape on YouTube’s 20th Anniversary.

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