Dr. Olivia Smith

Instructor

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Biography

Olivia Smith is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and media consultant specializing in artificial intelligence based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of diverse experience in print, broadcast, and multimedia journalism, she has been teaching at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism since 2018. Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Media Consulting Coaches, which specializes in press interviews, on-camera training, content creation courses, and AI strategy. Her career includes working for Disney and holding inaugural digital positions at ABC News, where she produced stories for major media organizations such as CNN and Al Jazeera. An expert in AI, she has worked with the GenAI Content Engineering team at Meta to optimize machine learning processes. Smith has received numerous accolades, including Edward R. Murrow Awards and National Emmy Awards, and has co-produced the Emmy-nominated documentary, Dead Horse Bay. She maintains a blog, Get Savvy with Social, and is also a published poet and children’s book author. Smith holds a master's degree from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from New York University, teaching courses such as 'Engaging Diverse Communities' and 'Visual Journalism.'

Research Interests

Courses

Digital Media Management Engaging Diverse Communities Visual Journalism Journalism Practicum Creating AI: Multimedia Tools for Journalism

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Application Checklist
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample/Journalism Portfolio
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Kira Talent Video Interview
  • Official transcripts
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required for Summer 2026 admission.