While pursuing an academic career as a media sociologist (Sciences Po Paris 1984-2010, CNAM Paris from 2011) and publishing several books, Jean-Louis Missika has occupied various positions in the media (advisor to the CEO of French public television, research director at the National Audiovisual Institute, chief editor of MediasPouvoir magazine). He was head of the Prime Minister's Information Service from 1988 to 1991, and assumed managerial roles for pollsters SOFRES (1993-1995) and BVA (1995-1998), before creating his own consulting company (JLM Conseil).
Prior to being elected to the Conseil de Paris in 2008, and chosen as deputy mayor by Bertrand Delanoë, Jean-Louis Missika was Vice-President of ILIAD group.