Walter Annenberg had a vision. He believed communication could explain every human advancement. He founded the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania in 1958.
The Annenberg School’s story began with Walter Annenberg. He was a publisher, diplomat, and philanthropist. Annenberg graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He understood the power of communication.
Annenberg’s media empire included The Philadelphia Inquirer. He also established Seventeen magazine and TV Guide. He recognized television’s growing influence. His Philadelphia station pioneered educational programs on TV for over a decade.
The Annenberg School quickly became a hub for communication study. It offers different approaches drawn from humanities and social sciences. It became an intellectual common market.
Originally, the Annenberg School was named the Annenberg School of Communications. The name changed in 1990. The school houses the Annenberg Public Policy Center. It highlights important questions about media and public policy.
The school stayed true to Annenberg’s mission. It adapted to changes in communication and its study. Today, the Annenberg School has four central goals.
First, it produces cutting-edge research. This research advances the understanding of communication’s role in public and private life. Second, it disseminates applied research. This advances the public’s understanding and effective use of communication. It also helps policymakers create better media environments.
Third, the Annenberg School educates doctoral students. It places them in leading academic and professional positions. Fourth, it provides a first-class liberal arts education to undergraduates. This education helps them become better consumers and producers of public information.
Over the years, the Annenberg School has had several deans. Gilbert Seldes was the first. George Gerbner built the school’s Ph.D. program. Kathleen Hall Jamieson expanded the school’s expertise in political communication. Michael X. Delli Carpini diversified the school’s demographics. John L. Jackson, Jr., focused on multimodal scholarship. Sarah Banet-Weiser became dean in 2023.
Notable faculty members have shaped the school. Kathleen Hall Jamieson directs the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Michael X. Delli Carpini is a professor of Communication.
The Annenberg School’s faculty research covers many areas. These include activism, communication and social justice. They also include communication neuroscience and critical journalism studies.
The Annenberg School for Communication remains committed. It continues to Walter Annenberg’s original vision. It prepares students to effectively communicate. It encourages service to all people. It is a legacy of communication and social responsibility.