George Gerbner was an American communication theorist best known for his work in media studies. He developed the Cultivation Theory, which suggests that long-term exposure to media content can shape viewers' perceptions of reality. Gerbner's research focused on the effects of television on audiences, particularly regarding violence and social attitudes. In addition to his theory, Gerbner founded the Cultural Indicators Project at the University of Pennsylvania. This project aimed to analyze the content of television programming and its impact on society. His work has influenced discussions about media literacy and the role of media in shaping cultural norms.