Steven Hirsen

When he was a grad student at the University of Wisconsin, Steve Hirsen was also a teaching assistant for an introductory course in TV.  Very much liking the classroom experience, he always thought that one day he might like to pursue teaching. Finally, after more than 30 years in TV production, he happily landed at Chapman while still keeping his hand in the entertainment industry.

Hirsen is best known as the director who launched two of the most popular series in television history: America’s Funniest Home Videos, which he helmed for 11 seasons, and Entertainment Tonight, which he guided through its first three seasons, garnering him Emmy Awards.

Hirsen’s early career focused almost exclusively in live news, directing the Western edition of CBS Evening News, coverage of major live events for CBS News andlive coverage of the Winter Olympics for ABC. Prior to that, he worked for NBC in Washington, D.C., where he directed local news and worked on programs including The NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and The Today Show. His producing and directing experience also includes many other genres including talk, sports, award shows, children’s shows, comedy, variety and music. 

Hirsen lives in Sherman Oaks and when not teaching or in a TV control room, he can likely be found on a tennis court.