(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – July 22, 2026) - For decades, large-scale sediment diversions were considered a cornerstone of Louisiana's coastal restoration strategy. But after years of debate, political opposition, and the cancellation of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the state's restoration priorities have begun to shift. Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) examines what that means for Louisiana’s coast with the premiere of LOUISIANA SPOTLIGHT: BUILDING BARRIERS airing Monday, July 27, at 8:00 PM on LPB’s statewide network and on WLAE-TV in New Orleans. 

LPB travels across southeast Louisiana to explore what that shift means for the future of the coast. From the impacts of Mardi Gras Pass in Pointe à la Hache to restoration projects on Raccoon Island and the Chandeleur Island chain, LOUISIANA SPOTLIGHT: BUILDING BARRIERS examines the science, politics, and people behind Louisiana's evolving approach to restoration. As the state places greater emphasis on barrier islands, marsh creation, and shoreline protection, the documentary explores the challenges and tradeoffs shaping the next chapter of coastal restoration. LPB Producer Oscar Tickle hosts the documentary. 

Streaming will be available the night of the broadcast premiere. Explore past episodes at lpb.org/louisianaspotlight.

For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, at (225)-767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453, or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.

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About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math, and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.