USC Annenberg staff
Stories by USC Annenberg staff:

USC’s Crosstown project launches national data journalism partnership
Tools and training from USC will help newsrooms in Louisiana and North Carolina access and transform data into high-impact local journalism.

Expect political polarization and fake news to persist throughout 2021
New survey results from USC Annenberg’s Center for Public Relations deem it unlikely that a Joe Biden presidency will inspire national unity or limit the spread of conspiracy theories.

How immigrants are portrayed on TV has real-life ramifications
Research from USC Annenberg’s Norman Lear Center found that, though many televised depictions involved crime or undocumented individuals, authentic immigration storylines can help foster inclusive attitudes.

Popular films aren’t making enough progress toward inclusion, report finds
A new report from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative examined thousands of characters from more than a decade of films and found that women, people of color and the LGBTQ community remain marginalized.

Most Americans not ready to resume daily life outside of home, COVID-19 study shows
Other findings from the USC Center for the Digital Future: There’s broad support for voting by mail, and Anthony Fauci continues to be the most relied-upon source about the coronavirus.

USC Annenberg alum Esmeralda Bermudez to be recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The Los Angeles Times staff writer will receive the Sí Se Puede Award for her persistence and tenacity as a journalist.
Correcting grammar, one misplaced modifier at a time
A USC Annenberg breakthrough uses instant-messaging technology to put old-school stylebook information at journalists’ fingertips.

Nearly half of Americans cite Anthony Fauci as most trusted source on COVID-19
According to a new USC Annenberg study on the disruption caused by the coronavirus, 45% of Americans depend on Fauci while 20% rely on President Trump.

PR pros dissect what drives today’s activists
USC Annenberg’s Center for Public Relations surveyed more than 1,000 industry leaders and students on how to best work alongside this new generation of activists.

COVID-19 crisis reveals ‘digital divide’ for L.A. County students
The stay-at-home orders have forced 1.5 million K-12 students to online classes, but a new USC Annenberg analysis found that 1 in 4 households lack the necessary tech for learning at home.

Why do wealthy areas of L.A. have high rates of coronavirus cases?
The latest COVID-19 analysis from Crosstown, a joint data journalism project of USC Annenberg and USC Viterbi, investigates why Los Angeles’ richest neighborhoods have alarmingly high infection rates.

What does L.A. look like on lockdown?
Gas prices are down. Crime is down. Traffic is nonexistent. Research from USC’s Crosstown data project reveals how L.A. is responding to COVID-19.

Richard Reeves, longtime USC Annenberg faculty member and presidential chronicler, 83
He was an award-winning author and a prolific political journalist for The New York Times, New York magazine and Esquire.

Half of Mexican teens report feeling addicted to their phones
The latest phase of a global USC Annenberg study found that Mexican teens feel more addicted to their phones than teens in the United States, Japan or the United Kingdom.

New fellowship from USC Annenberg Innovation Lab supports diverse voices
The first two cohorts of the Civic Media Fellowship feature emerging leaders in leveraging popular culture, media and technology for social progress.

2018 was a more inclusive year in film, but additional work is needed
A new study from Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found more inclusion in film in 2018, including a rise in female leads, but noted that more progress is needed.

Latinos lose out when it comes to Hollywood films
A study from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative finds top films lag far behind the population when it comes to representing Latino characters.

Despite positive trends, women remain underrepresented in animation
A new USC Annenberg study examines the ecosystem of the animation industry and finds pluses and minuses for women in the field.

Film and TV miss the mark in portraying mental health conditions
A new study from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative finds popular media underrepresents and misrepresents characters with mental health conditions.

Mahershala Ali muses on True Detective and refining his award-winning craft
The two-time Academy Award winner shared his thoughts on acting, hope, motivation and life as part of the USC Annenberg-HBO Diverse Voices Series.

Maverick Carter named USC Annenberg 2019 commencement speaker
The entrepreneur — LeBron James’ longtime business partner — has become an influential figure in the media and entertainment landscape.

Home lending discrimination report wins USC Annenberg’s Selden Ring Award
The Center for Investigative Reporting’s Reveal wins the prize, which recognizes the best in investigative journalism.

Study sheds light on continued challenges facing women in music industry
The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative report finds a shortage of women in all levels, from performers to producers and songwriters.
A 2018 box office boom — for black directors
A USC Annenberg study reveals a dramatic improvement in black directors working across the 100 top-grossing films, though it finds little change for other industry positions.