• Online
    Session Date
    -
    Application Deadline
    Program Fee
    $4,800
    Faculty Chair
    Nancy Gibbs
    Program Director
    Daniel Abar
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    Executive Certificate: This program is a core program in the Public Leadership concentration. This program can also be used as a third program for any concentration in the Executive Certificate series.

Program Overview

We are in the midst of an historic transformation in how we create, convey and consume information. Our understanding of truth, and trust have been upended by technological, social, and political forces. When traditional gatekeepers no longer control the flow of information, how can leaders prevail in advancing their message and promoting solutions? When the public has become fragmented by ideology and distracted by misinformation, how do we separate fact from fiction? And when public faith in institutions is at an all-time low, how do we restore trust?

This online executive program, led by Nancy Gibbs, former Editor-in-Chief of TIME, is designed to help public and private sector professionals meet these challenges. You’ll gain practical strategies for effective communication, trust-building, and countering disinformation. You will leave the program with actionable tools and resources to enhance your communication strategies across varied perspectives and media platforms.

schedulePROGRAM CURRICULUM

During this two-week executive program, you and your peers will be immersed in a highly engaging, evidence-based learning environment that features a range of interactive activities, including case studies, discussions, exercises, presentations, and readings. You will explore the evolution of the media landscape and learn to manage communication in a polarized environment. You will examine the role of technology, including AI, in shaping public discourse. You will learn how to use practical tools and insights from the latest research to craft clear, impactful messages and navigate complex media dynamics.

With live classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM ET – 1:00 PM ET, this two-week online program is specifically designed to practice and implement these acquired skills real-time. 
 

  • Expert Guidance: Learn from Faculty Chair Nancy Gibbs and other leading media, communications, and behavioral science experts.
  • Interactive Format: Participate in live faculty sessions, workshops, and discussions with a robust group of faculty and a diverse cohort of peers.
  • Practical Application: Develop actionable strategies to tackle real-world media challenges.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of today’s media ecosystem and effective navigation strategies.
  • Learn advanced communication techniques for both internal and external audiences.
  • Develop communication strategies across varied perspectives and media platforms.
  • Understand the influence and impact of Artificial Intelligence on the evolving communications landscape and acquire practical applications for AI tools.
  • Acquire tools to address challenges in a disrupted media environment.
  • Explore the effects of trust, misinformation, and media algorithms on public perception.
  • Understand psychological biases and emotional factors influencing information processing.

Application Information

Effective communication is crucial in every organization, and leaders from any sector will benefit, even if they don't directly manage communications. Past participants include:

  • Policy Makers and Regulators – Understand the impact of media changes on regulations, privacy, and public access to information.
  • Press Secretaries and Public Affairs Officers – Adapt communication strategies for diverse audiences through new and traditional media.
  • Media and Information Officers – Stay ahead of media trends and effectively disseminate government news.
  • Crisis Communication Managers – Utilize new media tools for effective crisis response and public safety announcements.
  • Education and Public Health Managers – Engage with the public through digital channels, ensuring information is accessible to all communities.
  • Communications Directors – Manage public messaging and outreach across evolving media platforms.
  • Digital Transformation Officers – Integrate emerging media technologies into public services and citizen engagement.

This two-week online program uses live, interactive sessions. Live classes are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM ET – 1:00 PM ET.

 View the draft program schedule. Note that module titles, speakers, and sequence may change.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

"Leading Through the Changing Media Landscape is perfectly aligned with the times. In this age of misinformation, it was great to learn how to keep the rising tide of fake news from drowning our democracy among so many other great lessons.”
Brenda Duran, Strategic Communications Executive, LA County
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Hear From the Faculty Chair

Faculty Chair Nancy Gibbs discusses the new Leading through the Changing Media Landscape executive program.

Faculty & Research

Nancy Gibbs Photo

Nancy Gibbs

Lombard Director of the Shorenstein Center
Edward R. Murrow Professor of the Practice of Press, Politics and Public Policy

Brian Friedberg

Brian Friedberg

Senior Researcher of the Technology and Social Change Research Project at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

Sharad Goel Photo

Sharad Goel

Professor of Public Policy

Juliette Kayyem Photo

Juliette Kayyem

Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security

Jennifer Lerner Photo

Jennifer Lerner

Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy, Decision Science, and Management
617-495-9962
Julia Minson Photo

Julia Minson

Associate Professor of Public Policy

Todd Rogers Photo

Todd Rogers

Weatherhead Professor of Public Policy
617-496-3421
Latanya Sweeney Photo

Latanya Sweeney

Daniel Paul Professor of the Practice of Government and Technology, HKS and FAS

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Margaret Talev

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Faculty Webinar: Our Information Emergency-Navigating the Media Environment

Faculty Chair Nancy Gibbs explores the underlying forces that are shaping today’s media environment, and techniques to be more successful in light of these forces.

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