TMI – Media & Communications Policy

May 21, 2026May 20, 2026 By Michael O'Rielly

TMI Embraces Too Much Information

For many of us, The Media Institute – an esteemed forum for convening, debating, and defending the First Amendment’s protections for American media – is affectionately known as “TMI.” In an acronym-heavy town, could that be confused with the slang meaning, “Too Much Information”?

Probably not. But even if it were, the label would still fit in context: The Institute champions the media industry’s access to and right to disseminate a broad range of information.

February 1, 2026January 27, 2026 By Michael O'Rielly

Why I ‘Chose’ The Media Institute

Career paths can be carefully mapped or unexpectedly presented. In this case, the role called me. Late last year, it became clear that The Media Institute (TMI) – an organization I admire for its honorable mission and pivotal functions – needed a new leader, as its legendary head, Rick Kaplar, was ready to reduce his workload.

At that point, my hand reflexively rose to help steer TMI’s future, alongside an able Board of Trustees, with the respectful goal of preserving its high notes while addressing any shortcomings. To be clear, my aim is to maintain TMI at its current level of effectiveness while recognizing the demands of a changing media environment. The historic time and energy invested in TMI’s triumphs deserve no less.