USC Social Change Media Institute | Peter Samuelson | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Peter Samuelson discusses the Media Institute for Social Change at USC, which aims to teach students how to create media for social change and make a positive impact on the world.

Transcript

FEMALE SPEAKER: Hello everybody, and welcome to a talk by Peter Samuelson about his new institute at USC, the-- I'll let him tell you all about that, both his personality and the things that he's devoted his life to. And I'll let him tell you about that. So, Peter-- PETER SAMUELSON: Thank you and good afternoon. I have to first tell you-- I have to... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Media has the power to create empathy and motivate people to take action.
• 🧑‍🎓 The Media Institute for Social Change at USC teaches students how to create media that inspires empathy and drives social change.
• 🔉 Partnerships with technology developers can enhance the effectiveness of media content.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Peter Samuelson to start the Media Institute for Social Change?

Samuelson was inspired by the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on people. He realized that media has the ability to create empathy and motivate people to take action, and wanted to teach others how to do the same.

Q: What is the main focus of the Media Institute for Social Change at USC?

The main focus is to teach students how to create media for social change. This includes understanding the power of storytelling, conducting research, and creating content that inspires empathy and drives action.

Q: How does Peter Samuelson view the role of technology in creating social change through media?

Samuelson believes that technology plays a crucial role in creating and disseminating media for social change. He sees opportunities for partnerships with technology developers to enhance the effectiveness of media content and measure its impact.

Q: What are some examples of successful media campaigns for social change?

One example is the film "The Blind Side," which aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by kids in the inner city. Another example is the "Kony 2012" video, which spread awareness about child soldiers in Uganda. Both of these campaigns had significant reach and sparked discussions about important social issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Peter Samuelson shares his background in the film industry and his experience with creating the Starlight Children's Foundation and the EDAR project.

• He discusses the creation of the Media Institute for Social Change at USC and its focus on teaching students how to create media that inspires empathy and drives action.

• Samuelson emphasizes the importance of research, efficacy, and partnerships in creating impactful media content.