2026 John Breaux Symposium: American Media at 250

The Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs is partnership-driven, action-oriented, and dedicated to exploring contemporary issues at the intersection of mass communication and public life. Its interdisciplinary approach draws together experts from diverse fields to advance research and dialogue. The intent is to inspire our communities to think deeply, take action, develop solutions and broaden knowledge. Underlying the Center’s endeavors is to strengthen and advance the Manship School’s national and state leadership in media and politics.

LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs

The 2026 John Breaux Symposium will explore “American Media at 250,” honoring the Declaration of Independence anniversary.

Lod Cook Alumni Center

The Reilly Center's signature annual event 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.In partnership with the Louisiana America 250 Commission, the 2026 John Breaux Symposium will encourage thoughtful dialogue about the role of media in American democracy — past, present, and future. Agenda and Speakers7:30 - 8:30 a.m. – Networking &amp; Continental Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – Welcome &amp; Opening Remarks: The Press &amp; Political Communication Then and Now<ul><li>Former U.S. Sen. John Beaux, special appearance via video message</li><li>Michael DiResto, Director of the Reilly Center for Media &amp; Public Affairs</li></ul> 9 a.m. – Fake News and Other Media "Dark Arts" in American History<ul><li>Jordan Taylor, Ph.D., Digital Content Manager for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation</li><li>Jack Hamilton, Ph.D., LSU Boyd Professor; Hopkins P. Breazeale Professor of Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication; Columnist for RealClearPolitics</li><li>Discussion moderated by: Suzanne Marchand, Ph.D., LSU Boyd Professor; Professor of European Intellectual History</li></ul> 10 a.m. – Media, Civil Discourse &amp; Polarization<ul><li>Johanna Dunaway, Ph.D., Research Director for the Syracuse Institute for Democracy, Journalism &amp; Citizenship</li><li>Sunshine Hillygus, Ph.D., Co-Director for Duke University's Polarization Lab</li><li>Discussion moderated by: Michael Henderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Communication and Political Science; Political Communication Area Head for the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication</li></ul> 11 a.m. – Navigating the Minefield of a Fragmented Media Environment<ul><li>Carl Cannon, Executive Editor and Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics</li><li>Discussion moderated by: Jack Hamilton, Ph.D.</li></ul> 12 p.m. Noon – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – The Emergence of Independent Media, Today and Tomorrow<ul><li>Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of The Dispatch</li><li>Discussion moderated by: Michael DiResto</li></ul>

Agenda

Networking & Continental Breakfast (FREE BREAKFAST PROVIDED)

- Former U.S. Sen. John Beaux, special appearance via video message
- Michael DiResto, Director of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs 

Welcome & Opening Remarks: The Press & Political Communication Then and Now 

- Jack Hamilton, Ph.D., LSU Boyd Professor; Hopkins P. Breazeale Professor of Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication; Columnist for RealClearPolitics
- Jordan Taylor, Ph.D., Digital Content Manager for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 
- Discussion moderated by: Suzanne Marchand, Ph.D., LSU Boyd Professor; Professor of European Intellectual History

Fake News and Other Media "Dark Arts" in American History 

- Johanna Dunaway, Ph.D., Research Director for the Syracuse Institute for Democracy, Journalism & Citizenship
- Sunshine Hillygus, Ph.D., Co-Director for Duke University's Polarization Lab
- Discussion moderated by: Michael Henderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Communication and Political Science; Political Communication Area Head for the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication 

Media, Civil Discourse & Polarization 

- Carl Cannon, Executive Editor and Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics 
- Discussion moderated by: Jack Hamilton, Ph.D., LSU Boyd Professor; Hopkins P. Breazeale Professor of Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication; Columnist for RealClearPolitics

Navigating the Minefield of a Fragmented Media Environment 

Lunch Break (FREE LUNCH PROVIDED)

- Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of The Dispatch
- Discussion moderated by: Michael DiResto, Director of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs 

The Emergence of Independent Media, Today and Tomorrow 

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2026 John Breaux Symposium: American Media at 250

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2026 John Breaux Symposium: American Media at 250

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