Norman Lear Center
@learcenter.bsky.social
Studying & Shaping the Impact of Entertainment & Media on Society. Based at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.
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
The conversation continues in Lagos, streaming live here: youtube.com/@evgworld1
youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
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
The conversation continues in Lagos, streaming live here: youtube.com/@evgworld1
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...
www.worldbank.org/en/events/20...
November 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
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...
www.worldbank.org/en/events/20...
Reposted by Norman Lear Center
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
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...
www.mediaimpactproject.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
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
Us too ❤️
September 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Us too ❤️
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
September 15, 2025 at 10:27 PM
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
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-...
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-...
‘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.
deadline.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:38 PM
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-...
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-...
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
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
bit.ly
July 28, 2025 at 5:53 PM
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
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.
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.
July 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
www.eventbrite.com
July 22, 2025 at 9:36 PM
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...
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...
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/...
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/...
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.
www.medscape.com
July 15, 2025 at 5:50 PM
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/...
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/...
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.
July 3, 2025 at 8:08 PM
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.
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
June 27, 2025 at 6:20 PM
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
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.
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.
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
www.filmindependent.org
June 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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.
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.
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
Hosted by @filmindependent.org and @sloanfoundation.bsky.social
shorturl.at/pzJ2E
June 19, 2025 at 12:13 AM
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
Hosted by @filmindependent.org and @sloanfoundation.bsky.social
shorturl.at/pzJ2E
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/technology
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...
learcenter.org
June 16, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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/technology
“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.
@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.
Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom are complicated combatants
The two are in the spotlight in a dramatic dispute over both values and tactics
www.theglobeandmail.com
June 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
“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.
@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.
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
Get 50% off w/ code PARTNERHCS25
Explore how storytelling can power climate action.
🎟 hollywoodclimatesummit.com/tickets
TICKETING | HCS 2025
hollywoodclimatesummit.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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
Get 50% off w/ code PARTNERHCS25
Explore how storytelling can power climate action.
🎟 hollywoodclimatesummit.com/tickets
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...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
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
www.theguardian.com
April 28, 2025 at 11:48 PM
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...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Norman Lear Center
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
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...
Read more: lear.center/latinorepres...
April 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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
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.”
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?
www.nytimes.com
March 21, 2025 at 2:42 PM
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.”
Reposted by Norman Lear Center
"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/interview/da...
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...
voyagela.com
February 27, 2025 at 2:23 AM
"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/interview/da...
Reposted by Norman Lear Center
Hi hi Marty, our @learcenter.bsky.social director! #SleeplessInHollywood
March 14, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Hi hi Marty, our @learcenter.bsky.social director! #SleeplessInHollywood
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
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
March 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM
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
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
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
lear.center/4ifGOKj
February 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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
lear.center/4ifGOKj
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...
Check out The Pitt on HBO Max.
www.pitt.edu/pittwire/fea...
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.”
www.pitt.edu
January 29, 2025 at 10:39 PM
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...
Check out The Pitt on HBO Max.
www.pitt.edu/pittwire/fea...