Previously known as the Annenberg School for Communication, the name change reflects the reality of the school, said Geneva Overholser, the journalism school's director.  

"I think it reflects the sense that it's an urgent moment for journalism," Overholser said.  

A lot of people think journalism is diminishing, said Overholser.  "We are recognizing the importance of journalism and the importance of our role in leading in the reinvention, and sending out students who can continue the important traditions of journalistic values on all kinds of new platforms and all kinds of new ways."

According to Overholser, the agreement to change the school's name coincidently began around her arrival last year when The Annenberg Foundation president and USC Trustee, Wallis Annenberg, proposed the idea to the university's leaders.   

This Sunday full page ads for the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism will appear on the Los Angeles Times and New York Times.  The "and Journalism" makes a point that we are really focusing on this vital thing called journalism, said Overholser.