Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
What We're all about
Good government, good citizenship, a vibrant economy, and a healthy democracy depend on the quality of our public discourse.
Founded in 2000, the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs explores meaningful ways to enhance and elevate public discourse at the local, state, and national levels. The Center’s mission is to generate thoughtful dialogue, research, and programming about mass communication and its many-faceted relationships with public policy. The Reilly Center is committed to strengthening the Manship School's national leadership in media and public affairs, and to serving as an informational resource on issues important to the people of Louisiana.
Upcoming Events
Pizza & Public Affairs: Former Gov. John Bel Edwards
February 11 | 12-1 p.m. | Journalism Bldg.
The Pizza & Public Affairs series invites students and faculty from across campus to enjoy free pizza and engage in meaningful conversations with guest speakers, whether a public official, civic leader, public affairs practitioner, or polarization expert. Speakers will share with students how they have achieved successful policy or program outcomes by building coalitions and communicating in a way that bridges division.
2026 John Breaux Symposium: American Media at 250
March 20 | 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Lod Cook Alumni Center
The 2026 John Breaux Symposium will tackle the theme of "American Media at 250" — a nod to the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s program will feature national voices and innovative scholars who will examine how media has informed and influenced civic life over the past two and a half centuries and what that history can teach us about today’s media landscape. While celebrating this major national milestone, this event will also explore challenges and opportunities facing the country moving forward.
Get to know Michael DiResto
Michael DiResto was named Director of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs in February 2025. His leadership is informed by more than 25 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, and public policy development. Joining the Reilly Center brought DiResto’s career full circle, as his first job after moving to Baton Rouge in 1996 was teaching freshman English at LSU.
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