Field Placement: Population Communications International (PCI)
Location: Studio City, CA
Preceptor: Irwin “Sonny” Fox
Student Name: Emily Chung
Year: 2004

Population Communications International (PCI) is a non-profit organization, locally based in Studio City. Their mission is to integrate positive health and social justice messages into radio and serial dramas around the world, focusing on women’s and reproductive rights, sustainable development and environmental protection. PCI works in countries such as Kenya, China and India, but also has programs in the United States working with the entertainment industry.

I worked with PCI from June till October. My internship with PCI focused on two major projects, the Entertainment Summit West and the Media Leadership Program. Irwin “Sonny” Fox was my preceptor and I worked closely with the small staff on many other projects as well, becoming an integral part of the staff. I spent the majority of my internship on planning and implementing the details of the Entertainment Summit West and the Media Leadership Program. This included securing presenters, preparing materials and coordinating logistical details. The Entertainment Summit was the culminating project of my internship and was held in October. The purpose of these two major projects was to disseminate PCI’s methodologies of Entertainment Education to public health professional, entertainment industry leaders and international students.

I also worked on two other projects: research on developing a Near East soap opera and obtaining funding partners for a new video project for youth. This internship focused on the field of Entertainment Education, which includes integrating public health theories and ideas into mainstream media. Skills utilized and developed including event planning, networking, fund raising research and writing.

This internship has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to learn the ins and outs of Entertainment Education, particularly how to work with the key players in a burgeoning field. The skills I have gained can only be learned through out of class experiences such as my internship at PCI.

Back to CHS Field Studies Placement Index | Back to CHS Field Studies | Back to Field Studies Home