We are a media research lab, using science, data, and creativity to research and reshape our relationship with media. For more than a decade, Harmony Labs has helped storytellers and strategists, decision makers and dreamers, harness the immense power of media to shape a positive, pluralistic future. With the Narrative Observatory, for the first time ever, we’re harnessing powerful industry relationships to deliver one-of-a-kind data infrastructure that empowers partners to find, reach, and resonate with the right audience in today’s media minefield. The Narrative Observatory delivers audience-based insights, narrative and network analysis, and empirical validation of cultural strategy and content—all derived from the actual behavior of real people and true audiences, not survey results, demographic groups, or inauthentic online activity.

We work with a wide range of partners on issues of existential importance, like climate, gun violence, political corruption, artificial intelligence, and more, using an approach to research that is rigorous, participatory, and public. One of the first papers we co-authored looked at fracking narratives in documentary film. The outputs we’ve created with our partners include websites, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, toolkits, curriculum, interactives, white papers, and media. 

Founded by John S. Johnson in 2008, Harmony Labs is a 501(c)3 incorporated in New York State. Funders include Atlantic Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Nathan Cummings Foundation, Google, and more.

Media & Entertainment

Research

Harmony Labs

Harmony Labs' headquarters in New York, NY, United States

Brian Waniewski

Jon Stewart

Kate Gouin

H Paul Johnson

Riki Conrey

Paul Johnson

Justin Smith

Elsie Iwase

The Data Science and Engineering Team at Harmony Labs leverages advanced analytical techniques and software engineering to transform complex media data into actionable insights. They develop and maintain the infrastructure of the Narrative Observatory, enabling robust audience analysis and narrative assessment. By combining expertise in data science and software development, this team empowers Harmony Labs to drive impactful research and innovative solutions addressing critical social issues.

Data Science and Engineering Team

The Marketing and Communication Team at Harmony Labs is responsible for amplifying the organization's mission and research initiatives through strategic messaging and outreach. They develop and execute marketing strategies, manage media relations, and create engaging content that highlights the impact of the lab's work on critical societal issues. By fostering partnerships and communicating insights from the Narrative Observatory, the team aims to connect with diverse audiences and elevate public discourse around media influence and cultural narratives.

Marketing and Communication Team

The Operations and Strategy Team at Harmony Labs focuses on optimizing internal processes and aligning strategic initiatives to enhance the lab's mission. They work collaboratively to ensure that the organization's goals are effectively communicated and executed, leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making and foster partnerships. This team plays a crucial role in coordinating research projects, managing resources, and driving operational efficiency to support the lab's impactful work in media research and cultural strategy.

Harmony Labs

Org chart

Teams

Data Science and Engineering Team

Marketing and Communication Team

Operations and Strategy Team

Offices

Harmony Labs

Org chart

Teams

Data Science and Engineering Team

Marketing and Communication Team

Operations and Strategy Team

Offices

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