Steve Caplan

Steve Caplan is a Lecturer at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, affiliated with academic programs including Communication (BA), Digital Social Media (MS), Public Relations and Advertising (BA/MA). He combines academic expertise with real-world experience in strategic communications, advertising, and social media.

• Education
  • BA from University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Master’s degree from Fels School of Government at University of Pennsylvania (focus: public finance and management)

Caplan’s research and professional focus lies at the intersection of politics, advertising, and cause marketing. His work spans digital media, entertainment, and policy communication, particularly addressing homelessness, global health, and environmental issues. He has also contributed to public sector campaigns like the acclaimed “Me Not Meth” initiative.

Caplan founded Message, an award-winning strategic communications and marketing firm in Los Angeles, serving major clients including Comcast-NBCUniversal and the California State Parks Foundation. Previously, he was a partner at GMMB (cause marketing) and held leadership roles at the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), fostering relationships with Hollywood filmmakers and artists.