Geoffrey Cowan

Geoffrey Cowan (born May 29, 1942) is an American professor, lawyer, author, and government official. He is known for his expertise in communications law, public policy, and international relations.

Cowan served as the Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1996 to 2007 and as the President of USC from 2003 to 2003. Prior to his tenure at USC, he was the director of the Voice of America (VOA) from 1994 to 1996. He also served as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 1977 to 1984.

Cowan's career has spanned academia, government service, and the private sector. He has written extensively on media policy and communications, including the book See No Evil: The Backstage Battle over Sex and Violence on Television. He has also been involved in various civic organizations and boards, contributing to discussions on freedom of speech, media ethics, and international communication. He holds a law degree from Yale Law School and a bachelor's degree from Harvard College. His contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of media and communication policy in the United States.