October 17, 2023

BATON ROUGE—Join the LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs for a presentation of “How to Win the War on Truth: An Illustrated Guide to How Mistruths Are Sold, Why They Stick, and How to Reclaim Reality,” featuring author and Manship School alumnus Samuel C. Spitale. This event will take place on Oct. 19, 2023, at 4 p.m. C.T. in the Holliday Forum of the LSU Journalism Building.

In an era dominated by misinformation and fake news, Spitale’s book offers a compelling roadmap for navigating the complexities of truth and deception. During the interview, Spitale will shed light on the manipulation tactics employed by those who seek to distort reality. By examining the psychological and sociopolitical forces at play, he will encourage attendees to challenge and debunk falsehoods.

The interview, conducted by Manship School Ph.D. candidate Hayley Booth, will focus on propaganda and media literacy, along with a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like for Spitale to write the illustrated guide.

“Nothing makes us happier than hosting events for returning Manship School alumni,” said Reilly Center Director Jenée Slocum, Ph.D. “Samuel has an amazing career and experience with the media that all who attend can learn from.”

After graduating from the Manship School, Spitale began his professional career at Lucasfilm Ltd., where he learned firsthand the power of well-spun narratives from connecting with an audience to great commercial success. Spitale also worked as a contributor for HuffPost and Advocate.com. This past summer, Spitale hosted a workshop panel at San Diego Comic-Con, titled “A Crash Course in Media Literacy,” designed to help educators and students become more informed media consumers.

“As an LSU Manship School alumnus, I am excited to return to the place that laid the foundation for my understanding of journalism and the media,” said Spitale. “ ‘How to Win the War on Truth’ can help Manship School students, along with all media consumers, become more savvy media consumers, both in and out of the classroom.”

Don't miss this chance to arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the modern information landscape. Bring your copy of “How to Win the War on Truth” to be signed by Spitale after the event!

This event will take place on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. in the Holliday Forum of the Manship School’s Journalism Building at 144 Field House Drive on the campus of Louisiana State University. Admission is free and open to the public, but you must reserve your seat via Eventbrite. This event will also be livestreamed on the Manship YouTube channel.

Parking meters are located in the West Stadium lot and the Union Square Garage, which can be accessed from East Campus Drive. Visitor parking is available on the second, third and fourth floors of the garage for $1.50 per hour.

For more information, contact acharbonnet1@lsu.edu.

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Samuel C. Spitale is a Los Angeles-based writer. He’s written for Huffington Post, Geek magazine, Star Wars Insider and Advocate.com. He began his professional career at Lucasfilm Ltd., where he learned firsthand the power of well-spun narratives to connect with an audience to great commercial success. As Senior Manager of Global Product Development, he steered worldwide Star Wars collectibles to help become the world’s most profitable merchandising program.

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’s Manship School of Mass Communication ranks among the strongest collegiate communication programs in the country, with its robust emphasis on media and public affairs. It offers undergraduate degrees in public relations, journalism, political communication, digital advertising and pre-law, along with four graduate degree programs: Master of Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Media and Public Affairs, Certificate of Strategic Communication and a dual MMC/Law degree.