The Annenberg School Welcomes 13 New Students in the Inaugural Master of Communication and Media Industries Cohort

The first cohort of master’s students will interact with leading experts in media, digital content platforms, entertainment, and the tech industry to deepen their classroom learning and provide a pathway to industry opportunities.

Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser and the 2026 MCMI Cohort

The Annenberg School for Communication proudly welcomed its first cohort of Master of Communication and Media Industries (MCMI) students this week. The 13 students in the inaugural cohort bring a wide variety of research interests and experiences to the program. Together, they will enrich our classrooms, deepen our research, and invigorate our shared discourse.

The MCMI curriculum for the inaugural cohort combines rigorous academic study with direct engagement from industry leaders. Throughout the year, students will participate in a proseminar series featuring executives and innovators from across journalism, entertainment, technology, advertising, and communications, including media strategist Lauren Marinelli, entertainment researcher Kevin Goetz, and Sarah Glover, WHYY Vice President, and Comcast executive Victor Limjoco.

The program also pairs students with accomplished alumni mentors, including Nikhil Sinha, Amy Jo Smith, Karin Gilford, and Amie Hadden, who will work closely with students in small groups throughout the year.
Through keynote conversations, roundtables, and networking opportunities, students will explore the challenges and opportunities reshaping the global media ecosystem.