American Media at 250

The 2026 John Breaux Symposium — 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.