USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center

At Cannes 2026, Lear Center Managing Director Johanna Blakley () joined leaders from the World Bank Group and the University of Pennsylvania for a conversation on the growing body of evidence showing how entertainment can shape social norms, influence health outcomes, and inspire meaningful change.

Thank you to The Impact Lounge for bringing together researchers, creators, and changemakers for this important conversation.

The Impact Lounge l Cannes 2026 l How Storytelling Drives Measurable Social Impact Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

New research from Define American, conducted in partnership with the Lear Center's research team, finds that Latino immigrant representation in scripted TV has dropped to just 23% of all immigrant characters, despite Latino immigrants making up 44% of the U.S. immigrant population.

The report also found that 1 in 4 immigrant characters was portrayed as a criminal, drug dealer, or human trafficker, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

At the same time, shows like Mo, Deli Boys, and Bob Hearts Abishola demonstrate what's possible when storytelling embraces authenticity, nuance, and complexity.

Check out the full report at https://defineamerican.com/research/change-the-narrative-change-the-world-2026/

"Perhaps it's time we expanded our definition of a public health intervention."

In a new Forbes opinion piece, de Beaumont Foundation President and CEO Brian Castrucci argues that TV storytelling belongs alongside vaccines, sanitation, and to***co control as one of public health's most powerful tools.

He also highlights our Hollywood, Health & Society program for helping bridge science and storytelling by connecting writers with experts and evidence-based resources.

We are honored to support storytellers in creating narratives that entertain, inform, build empathy, and inspire action.

'The Pitt' Proves TV Can Be Public Health's Most Powerful Tool 'The Pitt' leads Emmy nominations with 25 nods, but the medical drama's bigger achievement is teaching millions of Americans about health and healthcare.

In a new Forbes interview, 'The Pitt' executive producer Simran Baidwan highlights our recent study on the show's real-world impact, including findings that show's organ donation storyline inspired viewers to learn more about becoming donors.

Find the full article in the comments.

The Lear Center was proud to contribute to global conversations on the impact of storytelling at last week’s International SBCC Summit in Panama!

Director of Research Erica Rosenthal shared findings from our recent research on HBO Max's "The Pitt" and discussed how scripted entertainment can influence awareness and intentions around important health issues, like organ donation and end-of-life decision making.

Managing Director Johanna Blakley joined "Shuga, Spice and Everything Not So Nice," a featured session hosted by , examining how entertainment-education initiatives like MTV Shuga use emotionally authentic storytelling to shift social norms, build trust, and create lasting behavior change.

Thank you to the organizers, our fellow panelists, and everyone who shared ideas and inspiration throughout the Summit.

Photos courtesy of SBCC Summit Shuga Naija and our fellow speakers.

Hollywood, Health & Society Director Kate Langrall Folb will join a distinguished group of leaders from healthcare, research, media, and entertainment at this week's Aspen Ideas Festival for "Story Rx: How Storytelling Expands Health Innovation."

Using HBO Max's "The Pitt" as a case study, the panel will explore how stories can help audiences engage with complex health issues, shape public understanding, and inspire meaningful action.

📍 Aspen, Colorado
📅 June 25

More info: https://events.humanitix.com/impact-lounge-2026-aspen-ideas-festival

Lear Center Managing Director Johanna Blakley will be speaking at this year's International SBCC Summit in Panama City.

Johanna will join 'Shuga, Spice and Everything Not So Nice,' a conversation exploring the remarkable impact of MTV Shuga, the groundbreaking entertainment-education franchise that has measurably reduced HIV transmission, influenced health behaviors, and helped shift social norms through storytelling.

Drawing on her research at the intersection of media, culture, and social impact, Johanna will discuss why audiences connect with emotionally authentic stories, what happens when entertainment and purpose meet successfully, and why some stories continue to influence people long after the credits roll.

🗓️ June 22, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM (Local Time)
📍 Panama Convention Center

The Norman Lear Center is headed to the 2026 International SBCC Summit in Panama City.

We’re excited to join researchers, practitioners, storytellers, and changemakers from around the world to explore how communication, media, and storytelling can drive meaningful social and behavior change.

Representing the Lear Center, Managing Director Johanna Blakley and Director of Research Erica Rosenthal will participate in panels on the power of entertainment and the role of narrative in shaping attitudes, norms, and behavior.

🗓️ June 22-26, 2026
📍Panama Convention Center
🇵🇦 Panama City, Panama