Technology and Labor Trafficking in a Network Society

General Overview, Emerging Innovations, and Philippines Case Study Mark Latonero, Ph.D., Bronwyn Wex, Ph.D., Meredith Dank, Ph.D. Download the report (PDF) Migrant workers who are isolated from technology and social networks are more vulnerable to human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation. These and other findings are detailed in a powerful new report, Technology and Labor Trafficking in a Network Society, released today by the Center for Communication Leadership & Policy (CCLP) at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. This project was made possible by a grant from Humanity United, a U.S.-based foundation dedicated to building……Continue Reading Technology and Labor Trafficking in a Network Society

Bush campaign strategist named senior fellow

USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy is pleased to announce a new senior fellow, Matthew Dowd. Dowd, 53, served as the chief strategist for George W. Bush's 2004 presidential campaign and currently serves as a political analyst for ABC News. As a CCLP senior fellow, Dowd will focus on "examining what we can do to bridge the political divides today in America involving campaigns, communication, and governing." He will also focus on "creating momentum in the social impact entrepreneur space with emphasis on linking capitalism and social consciousness." During the past 30 years, Matthew Dowd has helped……Continue Reading Bush campaign strategist named senior fellow

Kantor calls for end to ports showdown

Michael "Mickey" Kantor, co-chair of the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy advisory board, penned an op-ed published in the Los Angeles Times, "End the storm at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports." In his February 16 op-ed, Kantor described the "frustrating and costly slowdown of operations at West Coast port facilities," caused by a deterioration in contract negotiations between management and labor…….Continue Reading Kantor calls for end to ports showdown

New US student exchange aims to double college-level exchange students to, from Latin America

WASHINGTON – The newest U.S. educational exchange initiative was the focus of this month's CCLP Communications Leadership Forum here. Called "100,000 Strong in the Americas", the public-private partnership will try to nearly double the number of college students going between U.S. and Latin American colleges and universities. Citing what he termed "an East-West bias," Daniel Restrepo, former Special Assistant to President Obama for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said it seems that U.S. study abroad programs focus almost exclusively on Europe…….Continue Reading New US student exchange aims to double college-level exchange students to, from Latin America

In memoriam: Senior fellow Laurie Becklund

Senior fellow Laurie Becklund, an award-winning journalist and former staff writer at the Los Angeles Times, passed away Sunday night at her home in Hollywood from metastatic breast cancer. She was 66. The USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy mourns the loss of Becklund, who exemplified CCLP’s mission of shaping the future of news and civic discourse. “Aileen and I knew and admired Laurie for more than 30 years,” said CCLP director Geoffrey Cowan. “She was a courageous reporter but an even more courageous cancer victim. We were lucky to have had her in our lives.” Becklund spoke……Continue Reading In memoriam: Senior fellow Laurie Becklund

Americans can now listen to FM radio on their cell phone – for free

WASHINGTON – New software now allows millions of Americans to unlock the free FM radio receivers built into almost every smartphone sold in the US. Called NextRadio, the free app unlocks the FM receiver, enabling the phone to receive all local FM radio stations for free without using the cell phone network, so there are no data charges or other costs. Just remember to recharge your battery. NextRadio only works on Android cell phones, and not yet on all Android phones. Originally developed with Sprint, NextRadio now runs on all major US cell phone networks. The new app does more……Continue Reading Americans can now listen to FM radio on their cell phone – for free

Geoffrey Baum quoted on Vice President Biden's push for free community college

Managing director Geoffrey Baum was quoted in The Argonaut after meeting Vice President Joe Biden, who visited West Los Angeles College to discuss the Obama administration's plan to subsidize community college fees. The initiative would "free up resources to add classes, innovate new programs and develop other aspects of student support," said Baum…….Continue Reading Geoffrey Baum quoted on Vice President Biden's push for free community college