Joanne
Cantor, Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin Madison, is an
internationally recognized expert on the effects of the mass
media and a popular lecturer to a wide variety of
audiences. She is undisputedly the country's leading expert on
the effect of the mass media on children's fears, and she is also well
known for her studies of media violence and her work on TV and movie
ratings.
After 26 years of
university
teaching and research, Professor Cantor retired from the faculty of
UW-Madison so that she could spread the results of her research more
widely. She knows that television, movies, computers, videogames
and
the rest of our electronic appendages are profoundly affecting us in
ways the average person can’t see. Her entertaining presentations
combine psychology, the latest in brain research, amusing anecdotes,
and sound practical advice for keeping our own sanity as well as
raising healthy, happy children.
Dr. Cantor is in demand to appear before groups of university students,
parent and teacher groups, church groups, service clubs, general
audiences, and meetings of pediatricians, nurses, and social workers.
The topic of the impact of the media on children has been popular for a
long time, but public interest has clearly intensified since the
Columbine tragedy and the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Professor Cantor is appreciated by audiences for her ability to
translate research into easily understood terms, for the vivid
anecdotes that illustrate her points, and for the useful advice that
comes out of her presentations. Her tone is conciliatory, not
combative: She does not dwell on blame and does not advocate
censorship. Rather, the theme of her presentations is empowerment
-- learning what we can do in our own homes, joining together in our
communities, and speaking up effectively for change. Audiences
especially appreciate the David & Goliath role she has played in
providing information that powerful entertainment moguls and media
lobbyists don't want the public to hear.
Most Popular Lectures
"Why Johnny Can’t
Relate: Survival Tips for a Media-Dominated Age"
Usually to audiences of parents, teachers, mental health
professionals, social workers, etc.
"This is Your Brain on Media:
Staying Sane in a Crazy Culture"
Usually to general audiences of adults
"From Psycho to Scream: Why
Movie Horror Doesn’t Die"
Usually to College Students or other young adults
"What We Can Do About Media
Violence"
Usually audiences of parents, teachers, mental health
professionals, social workers, etc.
COMMENTS FROM CLIENTS AND
AUDIENCE MEMBERS:
“Your plenary address to the over 1000 conference
attendees was absolutely outstanding!” "As a
parent and professional, awesome presentation!" "Great
topic, great presentation" “Wealth of
information” "The
liveliest of the presentations. This was the best one so far in its
upbeat presentation." "This
person really knows her subject and has a wonderfully relaxed style of
presenting a lot of info in a way that is easy to understand."
"Presenter’s comfortable and knowledgeable style and humor" "Good
information mixed with impactful humor" "Excellent
research and presentation" Clear,
well organized presentation. Presenter was relaxed and presented her
information in a friendly yet professional manner" "A
pleasure to sit and hear!" "Excellent
presentation!" "Joanne’s
lecture was great! .. everything was wonderful!" "You were
informative, eloquent, and persuasive" "I just
wanted to contact you and thank you for the spectacular presentation
that you gave. It was both exciting and liberating."
"Fascinating information" "Your
speech was superb and, as you could tell by the questions, met with a
very receptive audience" "I’m so
glad I came today. This was very beneficial to me as an educator, aunt,
and godmother."
Joanne Cantor is Professor
Emerita and Director of the Center for Communication Research at the
University of Wisconsin Madison, is the author of a parenting
book, “Mommy, I’m Scared” and a children’s book, Teddy’s TV Troubles.
She has testified before Congress and the FCC on issues related to the
media and children and is regularly quoted in the national press. She
has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America and her
research has been featured on ABC's 20/20.