About the Archive
Collection Overview
The George Gerbner collection consists of personal correspondence, research and administrative materials, reports, publications, news clippings, photographs, and memorabilia related to George Gerbner (1919–2005) and his work as a world-renowned media scholar and Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication (1964–1989).
The collection is rich in material concerning the Cultural Indicators Project, Gerbner’s pioneering analysis of television violence and cultivation theory, and the Cultural Environment Movement, a media advocacy organization founded by Gerbner in 1991.
Scope & Content
The collection was donated to the Annenberg School for Communication in 2006 by Gerbner’s sons, John and Thomas. It reflects Gerbner’s prodigious research agenda and leadership as a scholar, administrator, and activist over four decades, organized into the following series:
Gerbner’s personal notes, poetry, and testimony before the California state legislature (November 15, 1950) and the House Judiciary Committee (December 15, 1992).
Administrative and research materials related to the Violence Profiles series and special topics — including televised representations of health and nutrition, religion, science, and women and minorities — from 1972 to 1996. Comprises grant proposals, background materials, coding instruments, questionnaires, and data analysis. Also includes materials related to the World Communication Report (1987), several international conferences, and research initiatives in Hungary and the former USSR between 1987 and 1990.
Administrative materials, executive reports, and correspondence related to the planning and operation of the Cultural Environment Movement’s advocacy and outreach agenda. Includes the CEM’s listserv correspondence from 1993 to 2000, organizational publications, and conference materials for CEM-sponsored events between 1996 and 2001.
Comprehensive collection of Gerbner’s published book chapters, scholarly articles, and research reports from 1955 to 2006, including materials related to the administration of the International Encyclopedia of Communication.
Comprised of two subseries: Correspondence – Individuals (17 boxes, 4 binders) contains Gerbner’s correspondence with friends, academic colleagues, administrators, and political figures, including Walter A. Annenberg. Correspondence – Organizations (13 boxes) contains correspondence with academic associations, grant-funding agencies such as the National Institutes for Mental Health, philanthropic foundations, media organizations, and advocacy groups.
Gerbner’s course syllabi from 1976 to 1993.
Extensive collection of newspaper, magazine, and journal articles and interviews in which Gerbner’s research and advocacy are referenced.
Visual materials documenting Gerbner’s personal and professional life.
Draft papers, reports, and manuscripts authored by Gerbner.
Articles and writings about George Gerbner authored by others.
Restrictions
Certain portions of this collection (8 boxes) are subject to access restrictions. Please contact the Annenberg School for Communication for further information.