PRWeek announced Jan. 12 that USC Annenberg's public relations program, directed by Jerry Swerling (pictured), is one of five finalists for its Public Relations Education Program of the Year award.

Winners will be announced at the PRWeek Awards dinner in New York City on March 5.

Also, the Media, Myths and Reality Study conducted by USC Annenberg and the agency Ketchum was highlighted in a Jan. 12 PRWeek article. The study found consumers are more frequently basing their buying decisions on information gleaned from shopping Web sites, blogs and social networking sites. At the same time, the study found local and national television news broadcasts are losing their clout with consumers.

PRWeek finalist article
PRWeek PR Gap Study article 
Media, Myths and Reality Study