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Television

Cal State LA Gets Two Golden Globe Foundation Grants for TV, Film & Journalism

2024-12-11

The Golden Globe Foundation has long been a pillar of support for Cal State LA. Last week, two significant grants were announced, bolstering the university's television, film, and journalism programs. These grants are set to make a profound difference in the lives of students and the overall landscape of these departments.

Empowering Creativity at Cal State LA with Golden Globe Support

Television, Film, and Media Fund

Cal State LA is set to receive a $30,000 grant for its Television, Film, and Media Fund. This funding will open up a world of opportunities for students. It will enable them to participate in internships, produce films, and organize film festivals. The equipment and software provided will enhance their creative capabilities and give them a competitive edge in the industry. For instance, students can now use high-quality cameras and editing software to bring their visions to life. This grant is not just about money; it's about nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.Moreover, the Television, Film, and Media Fund will also support scholarships, making education accessible to a wider range of students. It has already had a significant impact on individual students, changing their lives and opening doors to a future in the entertainment industry.

Diversity in Journalism Fund

The $10,000 grant for the Diversity in Journalism Fund is another crucial aspect of the Golden Globe Foundation's support. In an industry that often lacks diversity, this fund aims to address this issue. It will provide resources and opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue a career in journalism.Through this fund, Cal State LA's journalism program can offer more scholarships and mentorship programs. Students will have access to top journalists who can guide them and share their experiences. This will not only help these students advance their careers but also contribute to a more diverse and inclusive media landscape.In recent years, Cal State LA's journalism students have been honored with over two dozen awards and honors. This is a testament to the quality of education and the support provided by the Golden Globe Foundation.

Transformative Support for Students

For more than two decades, the Golden Globe Foundation has been offering transformative support to Cal State LA's diverse, low-income students. Scholarships have played a vital role in enabling these students to pursue their dreams. Equipment grants have given them the tools they need to create and express themselves.During the pandemic, emergency grants provided much-needed financial assistance. This year's grant monies will continue to support film festivals and student works, as well as internships in Southern California newsrooms. These internships give student journalists valuable experience and help them build their portfolios.The Department of TVFM at Cal State LA offers a comprehensive range of programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Television, Film and Media Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a Master of Arts in Television, Film and Media Studies, and a Master of Fine Arts in Television, Film and Theatre.The MFA program brings together the three creative arms of the entertainment industry—content creation, writing, and acting—in cohorts. This collaborative approach allows students to develop a well-rounded skill set and prepares them for the challenges of the industry.Hollywood's top producers, directors, screenwriters, and actors often serve as university guest speakers and mentors. This exposure gives students a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business and gain valuable insights.Cal State LA's journalism program, part of the Department of TVFM, trains students who have been traditionally underrepresented in newsrooms. Through its classes, student media outlets, and collaborations with professional newsrooms, students gain practical experience and develop the skills needed to succeed in the field.Since 1989, the Golden Globe Foundation (and its predecessor Hollywood Foreign Press Association) has donated more than $55 million to entertainment-related nonprofit organizations, academic programs, and organizations protecting press freedom. It has also funded the restoration of 138 classic films, preserving the history of the entertainment industry.Funding for the foundation's philanthropy is made possible from revenue generated by licensing fees from the Golden Globe® Awards. This ensures that the foundation can continue to make a positive impact on education and the arts.

Trump's second-term picks have been a significant focus, with various individuals selected from different fields and with connections to Fox News. These picks have drawn both attention and criticism, shaping the composition of his cabinet.

Unraveling Trump's Cabinet Choices and Their Fox News Links

Fox News and Trump's Second-Term Picks

Fox News has played a prominent role in shaping Trump's cabinet selections. The president-elect chose Janette Nesheiwat, a former medical contributor on the network, as his surgeon general. This shows the influence of Fox News in medical and healthcare-related positions.Another notable pick is Pam Bondi, a frequent guest on the network who faced criticism for hosting a show while in office. Her nomination as US attorney general highlights the network's reach and its impact on legal and law enforcement matters.Kimberly Guilfoyle also made an appearance in Trump's cabinet selections. She is a former Fox News personality and was tapped for the US ambassador to Greece. This demonstrates the continued association between Trump and Fox News personalities in diplomatic roles.

Transportation Secretary and Reality TV Star

For the transportation secretary position, Trump nominated Sean Duffy. He gained fame on MTV's The Real World: Boston in the late 1990s. While on the show, Duffy stood out for his conservative views and his interactions with the cast. His selection shows how Trump looks beyond traditional political backgrounds and considers individuals with diverse experiences.During his time on the show, Duffy engaged in controversial discussions, including accusations of racism. This aspect of his past has added another layer to his cabinet appointment and has drawn both support and criticism.

Popular Celebrity Doctor and Medical Controversies

Popular celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz has been tapped to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. With no government experience, Oz drew attention from his appearances on Oprah Winfrey's television and his own show, The Dr. Oz Show.However, Oz has also faced criticism for unsubstantiated medical claims made on his daytime show. These claims include topics such as astrology's impact on health, questionable weight-loss therapies, and unproven supplements and vitamins. His appointment has raised questions about the role of celebrity in medical leadership and the need for evidence-based practices.An episode on discredited practices aimed at changing someone's sexual orientation drew fire from LGBTQ rights groups, further highlighting the challenges and controversies surrounding Oz's appointment.

Former NFL Player and HUD Secretary

Scott Turner, a former NFL player and veteran of Trump's first term, was selected to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner played nine seasons in the NFL before serving in the Texas House of Representatives. His background in sports and politics brings a unique perspective to the role.Trump's selection of Turner shows his willingness to consider individuals from different walks of life and use their experiences to shape government departments.

Wrestling Executive and Cabinet Member

Linda McMahon, the onetime CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, was appointed to lead the Department of Education. In the wrestling ring, McMahon was involved in outlandish and eye-popping scripted plotlines.Her character's storylines, including a comatose phase and a raucous brawl with her husband, add an interesting dimension to her cabinet appointment. Trump's own history with wrestling, including the "Battle of the Billionaires" storyline, further connects these two worlds.Recently, a clip of McMahon being bodyslammed by wrestling great Glenn Jacobs went viral, adding another layer of entertainment to her role."Donald Trump surrounds himself with a diverse group of individuals who bring unique skills and backgrounds to his cabinet. These picks reflect his approach to governance and his ability to tap into different sectors," Loge said.

In premarket hours on Wednesday, U.S. futures were in a mixed state as crucial inflation data awaited. Major index futures such as Dow Jones and Russell 2000 experienced a decline, while Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 showed an advance. The 10-year and two-year Treasury notes yielded 4.24% and 4.17% respectively. According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool, expectations of a further 25 basis point rate cut in December rose to 86.1%, up from 78.1% a week ago. Economists anticipate that annual CPI inflation will increase from 2.6% in October to 2.7% in November. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is projected to remain steady at 3.3% year-over-year with a 0.3% monthly gain, similar to October's pace. Wednesday's release will offer insights into inflation trends, with Federal Reserve officials in a quiet period ahead of their December meeting.

Unraveling the Pre-Market Dynamics of U.S. Futures

Futures and Their Changes

In the premarket trading on Wednesday, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY witnessed a slight increase of 0.09% to $603.38, and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF QQQ advanced by 0.2% to $521.64. This shows the varying movements among different market indices. Nasdaq 100 showed a positive change of 0.21%, S&P 500 had a 0.10% increase, while Dow Jones fell by 0.12% and Russell 2000 declined by 0.03%. These fluctuations provide a snapshot of the premarket activity and the different directions in which the markets are headed.

Cues From The Last Session

U.S. stocks declined on Tuesday, continuing the Dow's four-day losing streak. Oracle Corp.'s ORCL weak earnings and Alphabet Inc. GOOG GOOGL subsidiary Google's quantum computing chip news had an impact on the market. On the economic data front, U.S. nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased by 2.2% in the third quarter, in line with the preliminary reading. Most sectors on the S&P 500 closed in the negative, with real estate, information technology, and materials stocks recording the biggest losses. However, communication services and consumer staples stocks defied the overall market trend and closed higher. This shows the diverse performance of different sectors and how external factors can influence the market.

Insights From Analysts

Carson Research's chief market strategist Ryan Detrick noted in a note that 2024 "would go down as the best election year return ever" as the S&P 500 Index has made 56 new all-time highs. He also pointed out that the current bull market is nearly 26 months old and has risen more than 70% from the mid-October 2022 lows. He further stated that for investors, once previous bull markets reached this point, there were many more years of gains left. It's like a cruise ship - once it gets moving, it's hard to stop. In the graph shared by Detrick, he highlighted the August 1987 and October 2007 bull markets which lasted for five years each, the November 1980 bull market which lasted 6.2 years, and also the March 2000 bull market which lasted for 12.3 years. The Dow hit a record eight 1,000-point milestones this year, and November was a significant month for small caps, with the Russell 2000 up by 10.9%. Additionally, Carson Research's note mentioned that they found 22 other times when the Russell 2000 gained at least double digits in a month, and six months later, it was higher 90% of the time and a year later, it averaged a very solid 15% increase. According to a JPMorgan note on its 2025 outlook, the prospect of deregulation and corporate tax cuts may give investors the confidence to add to previously unloved areas of the market, like value and mid/small cap stocks, which are also benefiting from earnings recovery and attractive valuations. As the cost of capital declines with interest rates, consumers and companies should resume capital-intensive expenditures. Durable goods subsectors, especially those tied to housing, should also see a boost. Financials should benefit from increased loan and insurance demand, a more favorable yield curve, normalizing M&A and IPO activity, and prospects for deregulation. Falling rates also increase the relative value of bond proxy sectors like utilities and real estate.

Upcoming Economic Data

This week's economic calendar is filled with important data releases. On Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m. ET, November's headline and core consumer price index data will be released. At 2:00 p.m. ET, the monthly U.S. federal budget data will be announced. On Thursday, initial jobless claims data till Dec. 7 and the core and headline producer price index for November will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET. On Friday, the import price index data will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET. These data releases will play a crucial role in shaping investors' future plans and strategies.

Stocks In Focus

Rigetti Computing Inc. RGTI saw a significant increase of 12.3% in premarket after the company, along with its partner Quantum Machines, made progress in quantum computing by using AI to automate the calibration of a 9-qubit Novera QPU, achieving unprecedented accuracy and speed. GameStop Corp. GME rose 3.30% in the premarket session as the company swung to profit despite a dip in its revenue. Alphabet Inc. GOOG GOOGL was up 1.20% in premarket after announcing a major development in quantum computing through the use of its Willow quantum chip. Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT declined 6.7% in the premarket hours as the company entered into a securities purchase agreement to raise up to $50 million in a registered direct offering to institutional investors. Sealsq Corp. LAES rose 138.18% after partnering with IC’ALPS to strengthen its ASIC development capabilities by combining IC’ALPS’ design expertise with its own security IP and production knowledge. Investors are eagerly awaiting earnings results from Macy’s, Inc. M, Adobe Inc. ADBE, and Nordson Corporation NDSN today.

Commodities, Bonds And Global Equity Markets

Crude oil futures rose in the early New York session, advancing 1.14% to hover around $69.7 per barrel. The gold spot index increased by 0.26% to $2,725.21 per ounce. The Dollar Index was up 0.26% to the 106.68 level. Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday, with China's CSI 300, Australia's ASX 200, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng declining. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei 225, India's S&P BSE Sensex, and South Korea's Kospi Index advanced. Most European markets also declined. This shows the global impact and the different trends in various markets.