Spectrum News 1 and USC Collaborate to Bring Student-Produced Documentary Series to Southern California Spectrum Viewers

‘Impact’ Will Be the First Student-Produced Documentary Series to Air Weekly on Spectrum Networks

Los Angeles, CA – Spectrum Networks and USC Annenberg’s School of Journalism today announced an exclusive collaboration to bring the student-produced documentary series "Impact" to Spectrum News 1. "Impact" will debut on Sunday, November 18 at 11 AM.

Spectrum News 1, launching November 16, will introduce an innovative approach to 24/7 hyperlocal news and information that leverages Spectrum Networks’ local experience and technical infrastructure to curate essential local stories for Spectrum viewers across Southern California.

The collaboration with USC Annenberg’s student journalists will provide viewers with an in-depth look at stories happening in and around the region. The first episode on Spectrum News 1 will offer a retrospective showcasing the breadth of the students’ coverage, including reports on environmental challenges, animal sanctuaries, and local artists and musicians. A new, hour-long episode of "Impact" will air every Sunday at 11 AM.

“We are excited to partner with USC to deliver their award-winning, student-produced content on Spectrum News 1,” said Cater Lee, Vice President of News and Content. “Through our partnership, we are able to showcase talented young journalists in our area, and offer even more local coverage and in-depth stories that will benefit the diverse communities throughout Southern California."

Led by Dan Birman, documentary filmmaker and professor of professional practice, and Megan Chao, documentary producer and editor and adjunct instructor, students have been producing the series as part of USC Annenberg’s documentary courses since 2001. The show has received multiple honors from the Television Academy’s College Television Awards.

“Our students are incredibly passionate and work very hard to find stories of interest to L.A. communities and beyond,” added Birman. “We now have a terrific platform through Spectrum that underscores just about everything we teach at USC Annenberg like multi-platform storytelling that embraces journalistic rigor and ethics, while encouraging viewers to ask new questions.”

Spectrum News 1 will be available exclusively to Spectrum customers. The network will deliver 24/7 local news and information including news reporting and stories focused on the issues and community concerns shaping Southern California, with a deep focus on local politics.

About Spectrum Networks 

Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on 31 networks across 12 states. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com.

About the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Located in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is a global leader in education and scholarship in the fields of communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations. With an enrollment of more than 2,200 students, USC Annenberg offers doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as continuing development programs for working professionals across a broad scope of academic inquiry. The school’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the core skills of communication leadership, innovation, service and entrepreneurship and draws upon the resources of a networked university located in the media capital of the world.

Media Contact

Stacey Mitch

310.531.1570

Stacey.Mitch@charter.com