Distinguished journalist and news leader Andy Lack will speak on "Democracy in the Balance: The Essential Role of Journalism and Why Nonprofit News Matters" during a fireside chat on Wednesday, April 29, at 4:30 p.m. with a reception just before at 4 p.m. 

Drawing on Lack’s decades-long career at the highest levels of American media—including serving twice as Chairman of NBC News, leading Bloomberg Media Group, and producing investigative reporting for CBS News’ 60 Minutes during its heyday—the discussion will explore why the Fourth Estate remains as vital as ever in holding truth to power.

The conversation will also highlight Lack’s more recent work founding the nonprofit newsroom Mississippi Today, which won a Pulitzer Prize just a few years after its launch and has since expanded into Deep South Today, bringing rigorous reporting to some of the nation’s most challenging news deserts. In addition, Lack will discuss his Emmy-nominated PBS series, Breaking the Deadlock, which convenes voices from across the public sphere to confront real-world challenges and model constructive, civil dialogue.

This event invites students, faculty, and members of the campus and broader community to explore how strong, independent journalism strengthens democratic engagement. 

Journalist, television and film producer, and media executive Andrew Lack is a 16-time Emmy award recipient and four-time Peabody award winner. During his 15-year leadership as chairman and CEO, NBC News became the most-watched news organization in the world.