Conversation Series

The Conversation Series provides a unique and exciting public platform where prominent politicians and leaders in the media discuss current events, politics, the media and their take on the world around us. The series is moderated by Frank Sesno, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs and former CNN correspondent, anchor and Washington Bureau Chief. The events often draw national and international news attention.

Past guests have included:

Sean Spicer
Hillary Clinton
Jay Carney
Chuck Todd
George Stephanopoulos
Tom Ridge
Robert Gates
Larry King
Gwen Ifill
Tony Snow
Ted Turner
A joint appearance with former press secretaries Ari Fleischer, Dana Perino, and Mike McCurry.

Past Events

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The Press Fights Back

Monday, September 24, 2018 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm

You heard it first on “Meet the Press” with Chuck Todd.

Keeping Our Eye on the Future of News

Thursday, April 19, 2018 - 7:15pm to 9:00pm

In the age of Twitter, how does the news compete? In the age of Trump, can the news be saved? CBS News President David Rhodes discusses the future of news.

Cornell Belcher_A Black Man in the White House

'A Black Man in the White House' with Cornell Belcher

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Cornell Belcher, an award-winning pollster, published the definitive book on racial fault lines in America during the Obama presidency.

Does Trump Need the News Media?

Monday, January 30, 2017 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm

A conversation with White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and panel of journalists with a former press secretary.

Now What? Governing in the Era of Donald Trump

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

SMPA hosted a bipartisan conversation on advancing civil discourse and governing a divided nation following the 2016 elections. The discussion looked at how to heal the country, promote respectful dialogue, work across the partisan divide and address the challenges we confront.

A Conversation with Anderson Cooper

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Anderson Cooper, Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist and CNN anchor, discussed politics, media, his life and career in this SMPA Conversation Series event moderated by Director Frank Sesno.

A Conversation with Nancy Pelosi

Tuesday, October 27, 2015 - 11:00am to 12:30pm

Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives and former Speaker of the House, talked about women in politics, what it takes to lead in Congress, and media’s role in governance in a Conversation Series event with School of Media and Public Affairs Director Frank Sesno.

A Conversation with Jorge Ramos

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 11:00am to 12:30pm

Jorge Ramos, Emmy-winning journalist, Univision anchor and the man who stood up to Donald Trump, talked about media, politics and the line between journalism and advocacy in a Conversation Series event.

A Conversation with Leon Panetta

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and former director of the CIA, joined Director Frank Sesno for a discussion on politics, America's national security challenges and his new book.

Inside the White House Briefing Room

Thursday, April 17, 2014 - 11:00am to 12:30pm

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney joined School of Media and Public Affairs Distinguished Fellow and CBS News' Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett for a conversation about staying on message, collaborating with the press and keeping your cool in the White House Briefing Room.

A Conversation with Kathryn Bigelow

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm

The acclaimed Oscar-winning director of “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” and recipient of the 2013 America Abroad Media Leadership Award discussed her career, women in film and the choices, themes and issues that have brought her to the forefront of US and world cinema.