Steve Caplan

Steve Caplan is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where he specializes in courses related to advertising and political communication. He has developed and taught various classes, including Introduction to Advertising, Political Advertising in the 2024 Election, and Social Media Advertising. His teaching approach emphasizes equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape and effective messaging strategies.123

In addition to his teaching role, Caplan is the founder and principal strategist of Message, a strategic communications agency based in Los Angeles that has been operational since 2012. The agency serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, and public sector organizations. Caplan's extensive background spans nearly 25 years in strategic communications, focusing on advertising, public affairs, and cause marketing.134

Before establishing Message, Caplan was a partner at GMMB, a prominent cause marketing firm known for its work on significant campaigns, including those for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. His experience includes overseeing creative development for various high-profile clients and managing communications strategies on complex issues such as global health and environmental policy.134

Caplan holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master's degree from the Fels School of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on public finance and management.34 His professional insights into political advertising have been featured in various media outlets, particularly regarding the implications of technology and media consumption trends in the context of upcoming elections.2