SMPA Headlines
Director Peter Loge's End of Fall 2025 Semester Note
December 11, 2025
Director Peter Loge Final Note of the Fall 2025 Semester
Advice to students at the start of Fall 2025: Be Curious Without Preconceptions
August 19, 2025
Welcome (almost) back, see you around SMPA.
Meet Sarah Morrisette: Director of Special Projects and Administration
July 24, 2025
Meet Sarah Morrisette Director of Special Projects and Administration
Meet Rocio Santiago-Balsalobre: Academic Department Administrator
July 17, 2025
Meet Rocio Santiago-Balsalobre: Academic Department Administrator
Meet Anna Camp: Senior Student Services Specialist
July 11, 2025
Meet Anna Camp: Senior Student Services Specialist
Meet Jack McGuire: Senior Studio Engineer at SMPA
June 24, 2025
Meet Jack McGuire: Senior Studio Engineer at SMPA
Board of Trustees Elects Four New Members
June 3, 2025
Kevin Brown, Stacie Lissette, Jonathan Perlin and Ted Segal were elected to the board in May.
In Photos: A Multi-Country Experience in the Semester at Sea Program
May 20, 2025
GW rising senior Salmoncain Smith-Shomade spent the spring 2025 semester exploring 10 countries on three continents.
Director Peter Loge's End of Spring Semester Note to Seniors
May 20, 2025
Director Peter Loge Final Note of the Spring 2025 Semester
In His Own Words: How GW Helped a Class of 2025 Graduate Rewrite His Academic Story
May 6, 2025
Media and Strategic Communication graduate student Nick Erickson shares how he found his niche in the classroom while working full-time at the university.
David Sanger Discusses Trump’s Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy
March 11, 2025
Sanger’s book highlights the global struggle for supremacy between the U.S., Russia and China and the critical choices facing the world in this volatile era.
GW Shines at 2025 AAAS Annual Meeting
February 23, 2025
Experts from the university present insights and innovative research at premier science gathering.
![“The way [Trump] is going about it,” Chris Sununu said, “I love it and hate it at the same time.” (William Atkins/GW Today)](https://smpa.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs4161/files/styles/d07_traditional/public/2025-02/sesno_series_sununu_2025_wla_an0a6276_1920.jpg?h=06f6671c&itok=a3bdGb7n)
Republican Chris Sununu Explains Trump Administration Actions during a Sesno Series Discussion
February 21, 2025
The former New Hampshire governor was interviewed by GW’s Frank Sesno.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth Receives Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy
December 18, 2024
The prestigious award, presented by IPDGC, recognizes Duckworth's outstanding contributions to U.S. diplomacy and global engagement.
Director Peter Loge's End of Fall Semester Note
December 12, 2024
Director Peter Loge Final Note of the Fall 2024 Semester
Religion, Politics and the 2024 Election
December 2, 2024
The Elliott School and SMPA co-host a discussion on the role of Christianity and religion among Trump voters.
Job Opening: Assistant Professor of Media and Public Affairs
November 25, 2024
SMPA Seeks Assistant Professor of Media and Public Affairs
SMPA Hosts Panel Analyzing 2024 Election Results
November 21, 2024
The experts discussed how surprising shifts among key demographic groups influenced the outcome of the presidential election.
Empowering Future Leaders with the Nana Agyemang Media Scholarship
November 13, 2024
Nana Agyemang, B.A. ’16, is using her platform, EveryStylishGirl, and an endowed scholarship at GW to help lift the next generation.
Q & A: GW Experts Weigh in on the Election Triumph of Trump and the GOP
November 7, 2024
GSPM’s Todd Belt, Political Science Department’s Danny Hayes and SMPA’s Peter Loge discuss the broad victory, how it happened and what it means for the future.
Harris Leads on Personality and Fitness for Office, while Trump Holds Issue Advantages: New GW Politics Poll
November 4, 2024
A new GW Politics Poll sheds light ahead of election day on Harris leading on personality and fitness for office, while Trump holds issue advantages
‘A Critical Moment for Democracy’
November 1, 2024
Before an audience including many GW students, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney expressed optimism for the future.
Choices Facing Voters with the Election Days Away
October 31, 2024
GW political experts weigh in as the presidential election campaigns wind down.
SMPA Hosts Discussion on How Digital Ads Are Transforming Political Campaigns
October 30, 2024
The talk examined the influence of digital media on presidential election campaigns.
How a GW Alumnus Inspires HBCU Students to Make Their Voices Heard
October 23, 2024
Tevon Blair turned his GW graduate school project into a real-world program empowering students to vote in the 2024 presidential election.
Spirit of GW Awards Recognize Alumni and University Supporters
October 22, 2024
The awards honored the individuals for their exceptional contributions to society and their dedication to GW.
Experts Discuss How Campaigns Are Engaging Voters ahead of November Election
September 30, 2024
The SMPA event explored how modern campaigns are going beyond traditional advertising to motivate voters to cast their ballots.
Q & A: What to Expect in the Vice-Presidential Debate
September 30, 2024
SMPA Director Peter Loge discusses the debate’s significance and what viewers should watch for
Live from New York, ‘SNL’ Marks a Cultural Milestone!
September 26, 2024
Three George Washington University faculty members celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary
For Journalists in 2024, Should Truth Trump Fairness?
September 23, 2024
Where these two guiding principles conflict, the truth should be prioritized, New Republic editor Michael Tomasky told an audience at SMPA.
Director Peter Loge's Welcome to Fall Semester Note
August 27, 2024
Director Peter Loge Welcome Note at the start of the Fall Semester
Riding a (Blue) Wave: Inside the Democratic National Convention
August 16, 2024
As the Harris-Walz ticket rolls into Chicago, Peter Loge previewed a party convention that looks rejuvenated—and a presidential race that suddenly looks tight
Imani Cheers’ Documentary Explores Love, Legacy and Loss
August 5, 2024
The film tells the story of her son’s journey as he connects with his South African roots while they both navigate the loss of their family matriarch
Q & A: What President Biden’s Exit Means for the Democratic Party
July 22, 2024
Peter Loge discusses the historical significance of the president’s decision and what is likely to happen between now and the Democratic National Convention
Eli Kintisch Announced as New Ted Turner Professor of Environmental Media
July 17, 2024
The science journalist and video producer will teach courses that focus on using innovative storytelling to address the climate crisis.
GW Politics Poll Reveals Challenges Facing Biden Even before the First Debate
July 10, 2024
A new GW Politics Poll sheds light on why Donald Trump’s support remains strong despite various challenges
Director Peter Loge's End of Spring Semester Note
May 16, 2024
Director Peter Loge Final Note of the Spring Semester
SMPA Discussion Provides Insights on How Social Media Influencers Redefine Political Marketing
April 26, 2024
The discussion touched on topics including ensuring authenticity in political messaging on social media platforms and challenges in partnering with influencers
The Brave New World of AI in Political Campaigns
March 28, 2024
SMPA and “Campaigns and Elections” sponsored a discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in the 2024 election cycle.
Across the Wards: Diverse Viewpoints on a Common Mission
March 7, 2024
Last fall, students in George Washington University’s Sustainability Reporting class were sorted into pairs and assigned one of Washington D.C.’s eight wards to cover.
SMPA Panel: Political Candidates Need to Get Better at Selling to Reach Young Voters and POC
February 28, 2024
Maxwell Nunes, Sejal Govindarao and Pili Tobar discussed the challenges to campaigns of reaching evolving demographic populations.
Sesno Series Spotlights Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox and a Way to "Disagree Better"
February 22, 2024
Journalists Michel Martin and Jonah Goldberg say dying local news coverage and social media help push disagreement to contempt.
Ted Turner Visiting Professor of Environmental Journalism
February 16, 2024
SMPA seeks a journalist and filmmaker to advance the school’s commitment to education, journalistic excellence, and sustainability to be compelling storytellers
Presidential Candidate Forum
February 12, 2024
A coalition of diverse journalists is organizing a 2024 Presidential Candidate Forum hosted by the GW School of Media & Public Affair in September.
A note to students at the end of the Fall ‘23 semester: Read great writing about troubling times
December 20, 2023
"I encourage you to spend some time reading things that probably aren’t on an SMPA syllabus."
GW Politics Poll Finds Americans Concerned about Biden's Leadership and Age, Trump's Moral Character
November 28, 2023
A new GW Politics Poll shows significant liabilities for U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump heading into the 2024 election.
Cory Booker Spoke at GW about Healing Political Divide in America
October 4, 2023
The senator from New Jersey said in the launch of The Sesno Series that the greatest threat to the United States is division.
SMPA Alumni Remember Professor Mike Freedman
September 22, 2023
Alumni share stories and fond memories of Michael Freedman
SMPA Mourns the Loss of Michael Freedman
September 20, 2023
SMPA Mourns the Loss of Michael Freedman
Announcing the Inaugural Sesno Series Guest
August 15, 2023
Senator Cory Booker will converse with Professor Frank Sesno on September 28 at 6pm in JMA!
Celebrating Ted Turner
July 7, 2023
On March 7, 2023, GW held a special event honoring Ted Turner and welcoming John Sutter, the Ted Turner Professor of Environmental Media.
SMPA Announces New Director, Assistant Director
July 1, 2023
SMPA Announces New Director, Assistant Director
Director Waisbord's Note on New SMPA Director
April 18, 2023
Director Waisbord's Note on New SMPA Director
GW Honors Media Pioneer Ted Turner and His Vision to Save the World
March 17, 2023
GW and luminaries from CNN paid tribute to the trailblazing philanthropist and welcomed John Sutter as inaugural Ted Turner Visiting Professor of Environmental Media.
Director Waisbord's Note on Recent Violence
January 31, 2023
Director Waisbord's Note on Recent Violence
Janet Steele Brings Quality Journalism Training to Indonesia & Beyond
Through the Narrative Journalism Tour, Steele is helping improve reporting skills for young journalism students.
November 2, 2022
Through the Narrative Journalism Tour, Steele is helping improve reporting skills for young journalism students.
New SMPA Conversation Series Aims to Promote Civil Discourse
The Frank Sesno Newsmaker Conversation Series, supported by alumni Ted Segal and Meredith Perla Segal, will showcase leading voices in politics and culture.
October 18, 2022
New SMPA Conversation Series Aims to Promote Civil Discourse
Job Opening: Associate Professor of Media & Public Affairs, Data Journalism
October 12, 2022
SMPA Seeks Associate Professor of Media & Public Affairs, Data Journalism
Job Opening: Associate Professor of Media & Public Affairs, Political Communication
October 12, 2022
SMPA Seeks Associate Professor of Media & Public Affairs, Political Communication
Director Waisbord's Note on the Russian military invasion of Ukraine
March 2, 2022
"I echo President Wrighton’s statement last week that members of our community may be particularly affected by this evolving situation."
Director Waisbord's Note on the Anniversary of January 6th
January 7, 2022
"A year later, it’s important for us to remember the historic events and to reflect on the monumental significance of an insurrection."
Award-winning War Correspondent and Author Join SMPA as Shapiro Fellow
December 1, 2021
During the Spring semester, journalist and alumna Megan K. Stack will join SMPA as the 2022 J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Fellow.
Building global support to Combat Disinformation in Media
October 15, 2021
IPDGC hosts Distinguished Humphrey Fellowship
GW Politics Poll Shows Lack of Trust by Republicans in Biden Won States
July 27, 2021
GW Politics Poll shows that just 44% of Republicans and 76% of Democrats have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in their state election administrators.
CNN Gift Will Increase Public Understanding of Environmental Issues and Honor Ted Turner
May 5, 2021
Cable News Network (CNN) founder Ted Turner earned a reputation as a pioneer in global media and journalism.
2021 SMPA Award, Scholarship and Prize Recipients
April 22, 2021
Congratulations to all 2021 award, prize, and scholarship winners!
Director's Message of Solidarity with the Asian Community
March 20, 2021
Director's Message of Solidarity with the Asian Community
Press Pass: Alumnus Journalist is Eyewitness to Congress
February 17, 2021
Press Pass: Alumnus Journalist is Eyewitness to Congress
GW Politics Poll Finds Trump Elicits Negative Emotions in Voters
November 3, 2020
A new GW Politics Poll shows that Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden holds a 10-point lead nationally.
Planet Forward Launches Climate Series with The WNET Group and Peril and Promise
September 25, 2020
Planet Forward Launches Climate Series with The WNET Group and Peril and Promise
A Message From Director Waisbord Regarding Fall Semester
July 29, 2020
A Message From Director Waisbord Regarding Fall Semester
Director Waisbord's Note to the SMPA Community
July 14, 2020
Director Waisbord's Note to the SMPA Community
Dr. Imani M. Cheers is the New SMPA Associate Director
July 2, 2020
Dr. Imani M. Cheers is the New SMPA Associate Director
SMPA Welcomes back Karen Finney & Steve Scully as Terker Fellows
SMPA is very excited to welcome back Karen Finney and Steve Scully as the 2020-21 Terker Distinguished Fellows.
June 13, 2020
SMPA Welcomes back Karen Finney & Steve Scully as Terker Fellows
SMPA Welcomes Two New Faculty Members
SMPA is thrilled to announce two new faculty members that will join the team this fall; Efrat Nechushtai and Jesse J. Holland!
June 13, 2020
SMPA Welcomes Two New Faculty Members
GW Alumnus Joins SMPA National Council
The School of Media and Public Affairs is excited to announce its newest National Council member, Aaron Kwittken.
May 28, 2020
GW Alumnus Joins SMPA National Council
Healthy You Podcast
In partnership with the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we bring you the COVID-19 series, Healthy You: Surviving a Pandemic.
May 21, 2020
Healthy You: Surviving a Pandemic is a podcast jointly produced by the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health and the George...
SMPA Announces New Director
SMPA is thrilled to announce that Professor Silvio Waisbord has been named the new SMPA director, effective July 1, 2020.
April 30, 2020
SMPA Announces New Director
SMPA Awards Over $135,000 in Awards, Scholarships & Prizes
An Adobe Spark page and a special video from some of our faculty & donors was created to announce the winners.
April 28, 2020
SMPA Awards Over $135,000 in Awards, Scholarships & Prizes
SMPA National Council Member Goes Netflix
April 18, 2020
SMPA Director Frank Sesno sits down with National Council member, journalist, and author A'Lelia Bundles to discuss the new Netflix series and re-released.
GW Poll Finds Bipartisan Concern Over the Spread of Misinformation
February 28, 2020
A new GW Politics Poll shows bipartisan worry about misinformation’s effects on U.S. politics.
Nina Seavey Stepping Down as Director of The Documentary Center
January 26, 2020
After 30 years as Founder and Director of the Documentary Center, Nina Seavey will be stepping down.
Director's Note to the SMPA Community
January 13, 2020
Dear SMPA Community, After 11 years as director of SMPA, I will step aside after this academic year in order to turn myself to the journalism and creative...
SMPA Welcomes National Geographic Visiting Professor of Science Communication
January 6, 2020
The School of Media and Public Affairs is proud to announce the inaugural National Geographic Visiting Professor of Science Communication will be...
SMPA students contribute to Washington Post story
November 20, 2019
Four GW students contributed to a Washington Post story, published on the newspaper’s front page on Monday, about the children left behind by the opioid...
Dr. Imani M. Cheers Promotion
November 16, 2019
This past summer faculty member Dr. Imani M. Cheers was promoted to associate professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA).
Re-electing Donald Trump? How a divided America will vote in 2020
October 18, 2019
GW Poll Finds Warren Gaining Ground Among Democrats
October 16, 2019
A new GW Politics Poll that went into the field just 2 days after House Democrats announced their impeachment inquiry and right before Bernie Sanders'...
SMPA Mourns the Loss of Cokie Roberts, Wife of Professor Steven Roberts
September 19, 2019
Faculty, staff and students at the School of Media and Public Affairs are mourning the loss of Professor Steven Roberts' beloved wife of 53 years, Cokie Roberts
SMPA Inaugural Friday Fun Workshops
September 15, 2019
SMPA has launched Friday Fun A/V Workshops for the Fall 2019 semester.