Media Highlights

The Story Exchange
Women Are (Still) Underrepresented in Hollywood, New Data Reveals
January 7, 2025

Research from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative was referenced in an article about underrepresentation of women in Hollywood. 

TheGrio
Study finds films helmed by women and non-white directors ‘plateaued’ in 2024
January 3, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Stacy L. Smith was quoted in an article reviewing findings from the latest edition of USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's annual report, "Inclusion in the Director's Chair," which revealed that women and people of color are not being hired in ways that represent their proportion in the U.S. or their percentage in the pipeline.

O'Dwyer's
AI Apprehension Dips Among PR Pros
January 3, 2025

The USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations' 2025 Relevance Report was featured in an article discussing its essays and research findings.

The Hollywood Reporter
Films Directed by Women and People of Color Plateaued in 2024, Study Finds
January 1, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Stacy L. Smith was quoted in an article about findings from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's annual report, "Inclusion in the Director's Chair," which revealed that women and people of color are not being hired in ways that represent their proportion in the U.S. or their percentage in the pipeline.

IndieWire
Hollywood Progress Has Plateaued for Directors Who Are Women or People of Color
January 1, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Stacy L. Smith was quoted in an article about the latest edition of USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's annual report, "Inclusion in the Director's Chair," which revealed that women and people of color are not being hired in ways that represent their proportion in the U.S. or their percentage in the pipeline.

TheWrap
Total Women and Minority Directors in Hollywood ‘Plateaued’ in 2024, USC Study Finds
January 1, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Stacy L. Smith was quoted in an article featuring findings from the latest edition of USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's annual report, "Inclusion in the Director's Chair." The report revealed that women and people of color are not being hired in ways that represent their proportion in the U.S. or their percentage in the pipeline.

Comic Book Resources
No Significant Progress in 2024 for Women and People of Color in the Director's Chair, Study Finds
January 1, 2025

Associate Professor of Communication and Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Stacy L. Smith was quoted in an article featuring findings from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's annual report, "Inclusion in the Director's Chair." The report revealed that women and people of color are not being hired in ways that represent their proportion in the U.S. or their percentage in the pipeline.

Bossip
Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Shines a Spotlight on Underrepresented Filmmakers with Season 5 of Rising Voices
December 27, 2024

A 2023 study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative was mentioned in an article about Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad's work to amplify diverse underrepresented filmmakers.

Salon
TikTok, Gen Z's financial adviser, can be "risky to rely on," experts say
December 23, 2024

Clinical Professor of Communication Karen North was quoted in an article about Gen Z turning to TikTok and YouTube for financial advice, embracing trends like budgeting and minimalist spending.

TheWrap
MSNBC Viewers Still Haven’t Returned Post-Election – Will They Ever Come Back? RATINGS
December 18, 2024

Professor of Professional Practice of Journalism and Director of USC Annenberg’s Media Center Christina Bellantoni was quoted in a story about how MSNBC's primetime viewership has dropped 55% post-election, while Fox News' audience has grown, reflecting shifts in audience preferences, with some viewers disappointed by election coverage or disengaging temporarily from the news.

KNX News
USC offers class on how to become an influencer
December 18, 2024

Clinical Associate Professor of Communication and Associate Director of the Digital Social Media (MS) program Freddy Tran Nager was quoted in a story about a new class that focuses on teaching students the art of using social media as a tool for influence. 

Spectrum News 1
Trump holds 1st post-election press conference at Mar-a-Lago
December 16, 2024

Adjunct Lecturer Daniel Schnur was interviewed about Trump's first press conference following his November election victory. 

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