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Articles by Sam Bitman
From Toy Stores to Gorillas
On the last Wednesday show of the semester, we discuss Denim Day, we look at the impact of tariffs on toy stores, and we ask if 100 USC students can defeat a gorilla. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Annenberg Media leaders navigate student journalists’ concerns about deportations
ARN: How do you separate your responsibilities as a leader in the newsroom, but then also as a friend of many of these student journalists that are working alongside you, especially when it comes to a dilemma like removing a published story or a byline because somebody has a fear of deportation, and then, to the same effect, Christina for you, how do you encourage the student leaders to maybe separate those responsibilities?
From music monopolies to the NFL draft
On today’s show we stop by the NFL draft, find out who’s taking over the charts this summer, learn how our student leaders are handling journalists’ concerns, and premiere the sixth episode of our Live From the Halo series. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From “Sinners” to student newsroom
On today’s episode, we discuss how student leaders in the newsroom are dealing with deportation concerns from their peers, the ways in which day laborers can protect their rights, and a deep dive into Ryan Coogler’s latest feature, “Sinners”. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Film Frequency: Talking ‘Sinners’ with producer Sev Ohanian
On this episode of Film Frequency, former Proximity Media intern Ethan Huang sat down with “Sinners” producer Sev Ohanian to discuss Ryan Coogler’s latest film.
Film Frequency: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ and the best video game adaptations
On this episode of Film Frequency, producer Ethan Huang discusses ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ chicken jockeys, and the secret to making a good video game adaptation.
Film Frequency: Cannes Film Festival look ahead
On this episode of Film Frequency, we are joined by Annenberg Media’s Casey Loving, who breaks down the history of the Cannes Film Festival and what to expect from the 2025 lineup.
Film Frequency: Remembering Val Kilmer
On this episode of Film Frequency, we discuss Val Kilmer’s legacy, from “Heat” to “Top Gun.”
Film Frequency: What makes an airplane movie?
On this episode of Film Frequency, we look towards Spring Break as producer Sam Bitman chats about what makes a good airplane move.
From Carefest to public media
On today’s show, we talk about how CareSC is shifting campus culture through Carefest, we speak with a law expert about the ongoing situation regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, see what students are excited to go see when the 2028 Olympics come to town and go live to the sustainability town hall on campus. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From Hollywood tariffs to AAPI celebrations
On today’s show, we talk about the potential impacts of tariffs on Hollywood, celebrate AAPI month early and learn CPR from the LA Rams. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From USC president to torpedo bats
On today’s show, we talk about what students want from the next USC president, what trees they want on campus, the high price of the new Nintendo Switch, and break down the newest craze in major league baseball. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Torpedo bats break records at start of MLB season
On Sunday, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt hit a lead off home run for the New York Yankees against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was one of a record-tying 15 home runs that a Yankees player has hit in the team’s first three games of the 2025 season. One potential cause? Torpedo bats. A typical bat is an even cylinder along the barrel and batters can hit anywhere along that surface. The torpedo bat is instead wider where players make the most frequent contact with the baseball.
From cheaper textbooks to student loans
On today’s show we check in with students’ concerns about the stock market, break down USC’s new plans for cheaper textbooks, and stop by a media event in Exposition Park. All that and more, From Where We Are.
An Uncommonly Bright Future
“An Uncommonly Bright Future” tells the story of Sasha Sloan, a high school student with dyslexia. Sloan struggled as a child facing teachers and school environments that did not support her. After searching for programs that would fit her needs, her family found Park Century, an alternative school for students with learning differences. Attending Park Century, Sloan found kids who thought like she did, teachers who understood her and a newfound confidence.
Film Frequency: ‘Mickey 17′ and the Bong deep dive
On this week’s segment, we give an early review of “Mickey 17″ and how it fits within Bong Joon-ho’s filmography of comedy and class conflict.
From “Mickey 17″ to Ash Wednesday
On today’s show, we see how students are celebrating Ash Wednesday, fact check Trump’s address to Congress and head to Doheny for a Ukrainian event. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Film Frequency: Oscars picks and predictions
On this episode of Film Frequency, Annenberg Media’s Casey Loving rejoins us in the studio to talk Oscars picks, predictions, and the most egregious snubs.
OPINION: We promised never to forget
Referring to war-torn Gaza as “The Riviera of the Middle East” may be easy to dismiss as pure insanity. After all, President Donald Trump says a lot, but doesn’t act on most of what he says.
From UC health strikes to press rights
On today’s show, we head to Westwood to report on day one of a UC health strike, then we explore why President Trump wants Ukraine’s minerals and breakdown the importance of his administration’s recent decision to take control of the White House press pool. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From LA Metro to Eco Fest
On today’s episode, we hear LAUSD’s response to President Trump’s recent actions regarding the Department of Education, go to the groundbreaking of a new wing at the Gateway Children’s Hospital, and look ahead to the upcoming Eco Film + Media Arts Festival on campus. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Eco Film and Media Arts Festival spotlights environmental stories
The USC Arts Climate Collective will be hosting their third annual Eco Film and Media Arts festival this Friday at the SCI 106 theater in the School of Cinematic Arts building. The festival aims to showcase the films and other works of student filmmakers and creators across USC and select universities across the West coast. Their projects are all related to environmental issues such as climate change, environmental justice and sustainability.
Film Frequency - Neither a brave nor new world for the MCU
On this episode, we sit down with Annenberg Media’s Aditya Thiyag to discuss “Captain America: Brave New World” and the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
From Valentine’s Day to Live From the Halo
On today’s episode, we prepare for the upcoming rainstorm, dive into the reversal of NIL rules for female college athletes, celebrate Valentine’s Day, and launch our new performance series: Live from the Halo! All that and more, From Where We Are.
From USG presidential debate to self-driving Lyft
On today’s episode, we recap last night’s USG presidential debate and see what students expect from their candidates, try to make sense of all the recent news coming from the Trump administration, and explain how students can protect themselves during this dangerous flu season. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Film Frequency: Recapping Sundance
This article is old. Information may not be up to date. From Where We Are Film Frequency: Recapping Sundance Expand(Art by Ethan Huang) February 07, 2025 at 9:40AM PST
From Trump’s Gaza plan to (no more) valedictorian
On today’s show, we break down the shocking news of USC’s shift away from valedictorians, speak with an expert to understand the reality of Trump’s new plan to control Gaza and listen to supermarket workers' concerns ahead of the Super Bowl weekend. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From IMAX to holiday cheer
On today’s show, we speak with IMAX’s Chief Quality Officer ahead of the rerelease of Interstellar, look at the earthquake that rocked San Francisco earlier today, and get to the root of what makes a classic holiday song and movie. All that and more, From Where We Are.
“Interstellar” gets special 70mm IMAX re-release
Looking for an IMAX-sized event heading into this holiday season? Well, fans of the movie Interstellar will be given the opportunity to witness it in select IMAX theaters across the U.S and Canada for it’s 10th anniversary on December 6th. The blockbuster movie directed by award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and starring actors Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway was a box office smash when it first released in 2014, grossing $730.8 million.
From Thanksgiving to Conquest
On today’s show we recap the latest pro-Palestinian walkout, cover different Thanksgiving related topics, and end with a look at some of the biggest stories surrounding Conquest 2024. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Strictly Philly in L.A.: how Boo’s Cheesesteaks are brings brotherly love to L.A.
To most native Philadelphians, or those from the surrounding area like myself, there’s a certain sizzling sound that can only mean one thing: it must be Eagles gameday. There are few sounds in Philadelphia more synonymous with Eagles football than that of a fresh cheesesteak hitting the grill. It’s a staple of the city and is sold in all of the team’s major stadiums and arenas. Growing up, cheesesteaks became a part of my family’s gameday rituals.
From Trump’s Cabinet to Philly Cheesesteaks
On todays show, we quiz USC students on their knowledge of Trump’s appointed cabinet, analyze his picks with an expert, review a Philly cheesesteak jawn, meet up with Eagles fans at an L.A. Eagles bar and talk about women’s basketball. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Looking ahead to Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office
Following Trump’s second election this past Tuesday, American citizens are wondering how many of his policies will be carried out - and what that means for the country. Marco Haynes sat down with Kamy Akhavan, Director of the Center for Political Futures here at USC to talk about Trump’s first 100 days. Marco Haynes: So professor, thanks for joining us. Let’s start with Donald Trump’s campaign promises.
From Trump’s first hundred days to USC’s football performance center
On todays show, we go to city hall, break down what Donald Trump’s first hundred days could look like, review a new pizza shop, and look ahead to women’s basketball. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From Where We Are: Halloween special!
On today’s show, we talk about Fernando Valenzuela’s legacy after the Dodgers’ World Series win, check in with trick-or-treaters on Greek row and see what family’s are up to at the Spirits of Troy. All that and more, From Where We Are.
‘Win this for Fernando’: Fans celebrate L.A.’s World Series victory as they grieve the Dodgers’ legendary pitcher
When the Dodgers brought the World Series trophy home Wednesday night, completing a 5-0 comeback in Game 5 to beat the New York Yankees on their home field, some fans were thinking of a World Series 43 years ago. The 1981 World Series was when then-rookie pitcher Fernando Valenzuela brought the championship title to L.A. in the Dodgers’ previous clash against the Yankees.
Andre Iguodala’s guide to the sports endorsement market
“What if my name wasn’t in lights? What if my face wasn’t on TV every other second? What if there wasn’t a crowd around every corner? What if I was just a basketball player?” Michael Jordan asked. “Can you imagine? I can.” This iconic 1993 Nike commercial captures exactly how Michael Jordan changed the professional sports endorsement market. In just one move, Jordan was able to completely shift the business model in favor of the player.
From Remembering Liam Payne to the Religion of Sports
On today’s show we reflect on former One Direction star Liam Payne’s generational impact and receive special reports from the USC Next Level Sports Conference. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From Batman to Family Weekend
On today’s show we celebrate Batman’s new Hollywood star, break down the latest Moo Deng craze and see how Trojan families are taking on their big weekend. All that and more, From Where We Are.
Batman is the first superhero to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Today, Batman became the first superhero to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The introduction ceremony took place in front of the Guinness World Records Museum on Hollywood Boulevard, replete with fans dressed as the caped crusader, cheering crowds, and even a replica Batmobile. Jim Lee, President and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics, talked about the Batman character’s history.
From protests on USC campus to Reggie Bush’s Heisman
On today’s show, we look at the on-going pro-Palestinian protests on USC campus, talk about Armenian Remembrance Day, and explore students’ plans after the semester ends. All and that more, from Where We Are.
From the USC Valedictorian to L.A. Housing Protest
On today’s show, we look at the ongoing discussion around USC’s valedictorian, Disneyland expansions, and look into saving endangered tortoises. All that and more, from Where We Are.
Rising rent in South Central sparks protest at USC
Protestors mobilized at Viterbi today and marched throughout campus to Bovard Auditorium. They called attention to the increasing presence of wealthy investors building and buying homes at the expense of local residence. The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, or ACCE, led the protest. Sergio Vargas is the co-director of ACCE. Sergio Vargas: They’re building this three, four story buildings where they’re charging $1,000 per bed, which is unfair for the students.
From $5 movies to the Sacramento A’s
On today’s show, we discuss the Grateful SC event, a halt on dog breeding permits, new $5 tickets for Christopher Nolan movies, and the A’s future move to Sacramento. All that and more, From Where We Are.
USC students were F!ENDS for Travis Scott
Lines have never been so long at the USC bookstore. Barricades enclose paths. Students wake up after camping out through the night. After hours of waiting, a figure begins to emerge from inside the store. Crowds surge towards the barricades while security does their best to maintain the perimeter. The sounds of cheers fill the air.
From a Travis Scott Collab to Women’s Basketball Excitement
On today’s show, we look at the popularity of college basketball, talk about the Mega Millions jackpot and prepare for a Travis Scott collab at the USC bookstore. All that and more, From Where We Are.
From Fast Food to Culture Fusion
On today’s show we dive into the minimum wage jump and its effect of fast food chains, uncover the true impact of the construction of the Dodgers stadium, and explore culture fusions. All that and more, From Where We Are.
FDA argues in favor of abortion pill in Supreme Court
In 2016 and 2021, the FDA released changes that broadened access to the abortion pill drug, allowing people to obtain over-the-phone prescriptions from a doctor and receive the pill through the mail. The pill has since been used in about 63% of all U.S. abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The Biden administration is trying to defend access to mifepristone against anti-abortion and pro-life groups.
From MLB Opening Day to McDonuts
On today’s show, we hear learn about the new U-Pass card at USC, discover more about Opening Day for Major League Baseball, and listen to the new McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme Collaboration. All that and more, From Where We Are.
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