The University of Southern California is set to open a cutting-edge multimedia production facility at its Washington campus, positioning students at the heart of political communication and digital storytelling.

The Wallis Annenberg Studio, made possible by a $5 million gift from USC life trustee Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation, will serve as a next-generation hub for media production and public communication training. The facility will provide USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism students with direct access to Washington's media landscape and policymaking circles.

A Bridge Between Academia and Political Communication

Featuring adaptable production spaces designed for contemporary streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify, the studio's signature wrap-around glass windows will give student journalists panoramic views of the nation's capital while they report breaking news, moderate political debates, conduct election coverage, and broadcast major events.

"This isn't just a production facility—it's a direct pipeline connecting our students with policymakers and thought leaders," said a USC spokesperson. "The studio will create unprecedented opportunities for students to engage with national and international leaders while developing practical communication skills."

Strategic Location in the Nation's Capital

Located in USC's 60,000-square-foot Capital Campus in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood—established in 2023 under President Carol Folt's leadership—the Annenberg Studio represents a strategic investment in the university's Washington presence. The campus serves as an interdisciplinary hub where scholars, researchers, and students can engage with policymakers and shape public dialogue.

The studio will be available to all USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and institutional partners, reflecting the university's commitment to serving as a resource for the broader Washington community. University officials anticipate the facility will become a regular venue for conversations between emerging communicators and decision-makers.

Preparing the Next Generation of Media Professionals

With its advanced production capabilities and prime location, the Wallis Annenberg Studio is designed to help USC students develop the multimedia storytelling skills required in today's fragmented media environment. The facility will enable hands-on experience with live broadcasts, podcast production, and digital content creation—all within view of the political institutions that shape national discourse.

University leaders describe the project as fulfilling USC's public service mission while preparing students to become effective communicators in an era when information dissemination plays an increasingly critical role in society.