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.

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Upcoming Events

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Civic Sips

Thursday, Jan. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | 6th & Main

Combating polarization starts with recognizing media that fuels division and misinformation. At this Civic Sips, we’ll explore how to find trustworthy media and discuss where we get our news. 

Civic Sips invites Louisiana citizens to drink, chat and connect with others while having conversations related to civic responsibility, media literacy, state policy, and most importantly, how we can connect across differences in a polarized world.

Please email alex@parlouisiana.org with any questions.

RSVP Here

 

Image of John Bel Edwards

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.

register here

 

 

 

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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