ATTN: Co-Founder Matthew Segal will deliver this year’s keynote address for the USC Iovine and Young Academy’s 2nd Commencement on May 10.

“Matthew is galvanizing the next generation of global citizens through his innovative approach to visual storytelling,” said Dean Erica Muhl. “He embodies the evolutionary spirit of the Academy, and his drive to change the world through creative, human-centered content inspires us to pay attention and defy convention to create positive change.” 

Segal co-founded and launched ATTN: in 2014 and has since built an award-winning, global media brand that builds audience around key issues and societal topics such as civil rights, economic empowerment, health, and the environment. Segal has also been instrumental in spearheading the company’s partnerships with Apple, ABC News, Facebook and HBO to launch premium video in a variety of original formats. Previously, Matthew was the co-founder and president of OurTime.org, one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations committed to increasing voter participation among young Americans. 

Segal’s rise and entrepreneurship within the ever-shifting media landscape underscores his keen understanding of visual storytelling and his ability to connect with the social media generation. ATTN: has created and produced several original series for television, social platforms and streaming services, working with some of the most recognizable individuals and brands in the world. After the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last year, ATTN: joined forces with ABC News and Freeform on “For Our Lives: Parkland,” an original documentary that followed the lives of student survivors through the aftermath of the mass shooting. ATTN:’s Get Out the Vote video with President Barack Obama garnered over 20 million views and an ATTN: video made in partnership with adidas that shed light on the ongoing problem of pollution in our oceans, garnered over 35 million video views and was recently nominated for a Webby Award. Matthew’s story combines passionate activism and savvy engagement with his generation through modern media platforms and technologies. In 2017, The Hollywood Reporter named Matthew one of the entertainment industry’s top 35 Under 35 and ATTN: was named to Fast Company’s list of Most Innovative Companies in 2019. 

Matthew is also a regular TV commentator who has contributed to MSNBC, The Today Show and ABC News. Segal is a seasoned interviewer and has sat down for exclusives with a wide range of political and cultural leaders including Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry, House Leader Nancy Pelosi as well as music legends Bono, Keith Richards, and Patti Smith. The USC Iovine and Young Academy’s satellite commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 10 at 11:30 a.m. in Bovard Auditorium. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are required.

The ceremony will be live streamed for remote viewing on the Academy's YouTube channel.

ATTN: Co-Founder Matthew Segal named USC Iovine and Young Academy Commencement Speaker