Building the Future of Journalism at UIC
Senior Communication Lecturer Mike Reilley on creating a cutting-edge curriculum, embracing AI, and giving students real-world reporting experience.
Interview with Mike Reilley
In 1995, when most journalists were focused on print, Mike Reilley was coding his first webpage and experimenting with digital storytelling—sparking his curiosity and drive to prepare the next generation for a rapidly evolving media world. “It was kind of the dawn of the internet age,” Reilley recalls.
Reilley has spent the last decade shaping the future of journalism at UIC’s Communication Department, where he serves as a senior lecturer. His classes blend the fundamentals of reporting—interviewing, documentation—with cutting-edge digital tools, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
According to Reilley, students learn best through real-world reporting experiences, which can often be found in their own neighborhoods throughout Chicagoland. “One of the things I really like about teaching UIC students is they’re not afraid to walk into their alderman’s office and start asking the right questions,” he says.
In 2011, Reilley launched the Red Line Project, inspired by his daily commute on Chicago’s Red Line. Initially focused on neighborhoods along the train’s route, the project now covers issues across the city—ranging from housing and immigration to elections—through data-driven reporting and mobile storytelling.
The site is student-run, providing aspiring journalists with hands-on experience and published clips for their portfolios—essential for securing jobs in the industry.
Reilley and his team approach AI with what he calls “cautious curiosity.” Rather than banning the technology outright, he focuses on teaching students how to use it ethically and responsibly. “I don’t want them to fear technology. I don’t want them to fear AI,” Reilley explains, emphasizing the importance of understanding the tools while respecting journalistic standards.
Their policy prohibits the use of AI to write stories or fabricate events. Instead, they use tools like Nota to transform existing stories into short social videos, saving time while preserving editorial control. UIC is among the few universities with a partnership with Nota, and every story includes an AI disclosure to ensure transparency.
This innovative approach earned the Red Line Project the Associated Collegiate Press Innovation Pacemaker Award, one of the highest honors in college journalism. Reilley complements classroom learning by inviting experts such as Lynn Walsh from Trusting News to guide students on ethical best practices.