Each year, USC programs and faculty research are highlighted in print, broadcast and online stories throughout the world. Highlights of recent news coverage are compiled by USC Media Relations.
USC in the News 6/7/2012
Featured Stories
Los Angeles Times ran an op-ed by Dan Schnur of the USC Dornsife College about California's new redistricting procedures and top-two primary system. Both changes will force incumbents to compete more for votes, Schnur wrote. The primary system allows two candidates from the same party to compete in a runoff — but even this is a win for voters, he added. "This is likely to push candidates to the middle because candidates will be trying to attract general election voters from the other party as well as from their own," Schnur wrote. KPCC-FM highlighted the op-ed.
Zocalo Public Square ran commentary by Muhammad Sahimi of the USC Viterbi School on the relationship between Iranians and Los Angeles. He noted that Iranians in L.A. are carrying out cutting-edge research at USC, UCLA and Caltech; are involved in political debates; and want to support a free and democratic Iran. Sahimi wrote that a better Iran in the future "will help re-establish friendly relations between two of the greatest nations on earth, the United States of America and Iran."
The Nordic Page (Norway) featured Manuel Castells of the USC Annenberg School, who received the 2012 Holberg International Memorial Prize. The award, bestowed by a Norwegian foundation, recognizes research in the arts and humanities, social sciences, law and theology. "Manuel Castells is the leading sociologist of the city and new information and media technologies," wrote the Holberg Prize Academic Committee.
KRCA-TV featured two students from the USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative, Arnulfo and Jesus Moran. The intensive college preparation program helps students in the USC community go to college; if they choose to attend USC, they receive a full four-year scholarship.
Business Insider ran a column by Ira Kalb of the USC Marshall School about Sara Lee rebranding itself as Hillshire Brands. The CEO of the company chose Hillshire Brands from under the Sara Lee brand umbrella, in the hope that naming the company after Hillshire would raise its profile. "This seems like an ill-fated attempt to kill the healthy chicken to make chicken soup to feed the sick chicken," Kalb wrote.
Experts Quoted
The Chronicle of Higher Education quoted William Tierney of the USC Rossier School about the qualities needed in the next heads of California's Cal State and community college systems.
The New York Times quoted Dan Schnur of the USC Dornsife College about California's new open primary system. The Wall Street Journal and Reuters also quoted Schnur.
Los Angeles Times quoted Paul Alkon, professor emeritus of the USC Dornsife College, about the late Ray Bradbury's strengths as a writer.
Chicago Tribune quoted Jon Pynoos of the USC Davis School about retirees who choose to "age in place."
Bloomberg Businessweek quoted Lawrence Harris of the USC Marshall School about the SEC examining Nasdaq in the wake of Facebook's IPO auction.
KPCC-FM interviewed Joel Hay of the USC School of Pharmacy about President Obama's health care reform act.
NPR San Diego affiliate KPBS-FM interviewed Muhammad Sahimi of the USC Viterbi School about the effect a European Union oil embargo would have on Iran.
News at a Glance
Los Angeles Times noted that the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll found California voters prefer President Obama to Mitt Romney 56 percent to 37 percent.
Los Angeles Times reported that Alan Pasqua of the USC Thornton School, chair of jazz studies, will perform at Vitello's this Saturday.
The Star (Malaysia) cited USC research finding that pathological liars have 22 percent more pre-frontal white matter in their brains, allowing them to better assess what another person is thinking.
L.A. Weekly highlighted a screening of the documentary "The Invisible War" at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Scientific American ran a column by USC student Dylan Giordano about the USC Dornsife College's Guam and Palau program.