Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts a powerful conversation with the 2024 MDDC Rookie of the Year nominees — six emerging women journalists who’ve tackled the chaos, challenges, and triumphs of their first jobs in news. From covering local government and education to environmental policy and cultural reporting, these young reporters reflect on what surprised them, what inspired them and what keeps them going.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with award-winning journalist and author Miranda Spivack to dive into Backroom Deals in Our Backyard, Miranda’s powerful new book exposing the hidden world of local government secrecy and corporate collusion. From dangerous roadways and contaminated water to privatized data systems, Miranda shares the real-life stories of "accidental activists" fighting for transparency. With public records access shrinking and local news under threat, this conversation is a call to action for anyone who believes in open government. Backroom Deals in Our Backyard hits shelves May 6, but you can preorder today!

We shine a spotlight on two of the most dynamic media sales professionals in our region—Nicole Allen of Baltimore Fishbowl and Blake McCoy of the Catholic Review—nominated for MDDC Press Association’s 2024 Salesperson of the Year. Host Kevin Berrier dives deep into their unique sales journeys, client-first approach and what it takes to succeed in today’s ever-evolving news media landscape.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Christina Piaia, Deputy Director of the ProJourn Project at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Christina shares how ProJourn supports journalists and independent newsrooms with free legal resources like pre-publication reviews, public records access and non-editorial legal checkups. They discuss why bold local journalism needs strong legal backing, how ProJourn is training the next generation of media law attorneys and what reporters should know to protect their work and their newsrooms. Whether you're a freelance journalist or part of a growing newsroom, this conversation is packed with essential insights on navigating today’s legal challenges.

In this episode, Rebecca Snyder sits down with David Enrich, an investigative reporter at The New York Times and author of the new book Murder the Truth. They discuss the growing use of "lawfare"—legal actions weaponized by wealthy and powerful figures—to silence journalists and independent voices. David shares insights into the chilling impact of lawsuits on local journalism, the critical importance of the landmark 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times vs. Sullivan, and the contemporary threats to press freedom. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of what's at stake for democracy when investigative journalism comes under attack.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer, to celebrate the newspaper’s incredible 60-year legacy. Denise shares stories about the paper’s history, its impact on the community and the vision that has guided it for six decades. Join us as we honor this milestone and the power of community journalism!

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Melissa Ludtke, the newly published author of "Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside." Melissa shares her groundbreaking journey as a sports journalist who fought for equal access to Major League Baseball locker rooms in the landmark Ludtke v. Kuhn case. Learn how her fight for equality paved the way for women in sports reporting today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance and justice.

In this special episode for Sunshine Week, we spotlight four outstanding investigative reporters—Amanda Fries, Maddi O’Neill, Darcy Costello and Katie Mettler. This discussion dives into the power of public records in investigative journalism, the challenges of accessing crucial information, and the stories that shaped their reporting. From police misconduct to opioid lawsuits and government accountability, these journalists reveal how they uncover the truth. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the fight for transparency!

In this episode, Rebecca Snyder sits down with Corey Hutchins - journalist and founder of the weekly newsletter, Inside the News in Colorado. Corey shares insights from his research on media criticism, the decline of traditional newsrooms and the rise of independent journalism through platforms like Substack. They also discuss the role of collaboration in today's media environment and how journalists are adapting to new challenges. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the future of local news and why media accountability matters now more than ever.

In this powerful episode, Rebecca sits down with Tom Marquardt, retired publisher and editor of The Capital Gazette, to discuss his new book, Pressed to Kill. Tom takes us inside the tragic events of June 28, 2018, when a gunman attacked the Gazette newsroom, killing five people. He shares insights on the victims' legacies, newsroom security, the evolving media landscape and the broader issues of mass violence in America.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Amber Allan, the visionary founder of Man of Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to providing safe spaces and life-changing resources for children in Ecuador. From the devastating 2016 earthquake that reshaped lives to breaking generational cycles of hardship, Amber and her team are fostering hope, education, and healing in the community of Coaque, Ecuador. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumph and unwavering commitment that fuels Man of Peace. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith and the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.

Visit Man of Peace at https://ecthemanofpeace.org/

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Lauren Vella, principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs' new Dover office, to discuss the changing political landscape in Delaware. From a brand-new governor and congressional leadership to special elections and key legislative priorities, Lauren breaks down what these shifts mean for the state. Delaware might be small, but there’s no shortage of big changes happening - tune in now and stay ahead of the latest developments.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Amy Orndorff, managing editor of Bethesda Magazine and Bethesda Today. Amy shares the evolution of Bethesda’s local news, the challenges of covering Montgomery County with a small but dedicated team and how her experience at The Washington Post and as a volunteer firefighter shaped her approach to journalism. From breaking news to long-form features, hear how Bethesda Today fills the local news gap and what’s next for the publication.

Rebecca Snyder sits down with Ryan Little, data editor at The Baltimore Banner, to explore the power of data in investigative journalism. They discuss the role of data analysis in uncovering major trends, particularly in Baltimore’s opioid crisis. Ryan shares insights into the challenges of accessing public records, the legal battle over autopsy data and how their reporting revealed surprising overdose hotspots. They also touch on the implications of a new Maryland bill that could restrict access to vital public health data. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on transparency and the fight for public information.

In our first Marketing Pros episode of 2025, we sit down with Mya Shell, a 25-year-old brand marketing powerhouse. From growing up in a small Ohio town to shaping major campaigns in the tech world, Mya's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares how being part of the digital era shaped her strategies, dives into the importance of brand tone, and explains why pop culture is key to engagement. If you're looking to strengthen your brand identity in an omnichannel world or want to understand the rise of "comfort content," this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss. Connect with Mya on LinkedIn (@MyaShell) for more marketing wisdom or on Instagram (@MyaShell) to meet her adorable, fluffy cat!

Join Rebecca Snyder as she sits down with Tim Franklin, Senior Associate Dean and Director of the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University. In this episode, they dive into the latest Medill State of Local News Report findings, explore the growing crisis of news deserts and discuss innovative solutions reshaping the local news landscape. From the challenges of ownership shifts to the rise of digital-only outlets and the role of universities in journalism, this conversation unpacks the urgent need for sustainable local journalism. Don't miss the insights and ideas for fostering vibrant local news communities!

Check out Medill's report at https://localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/

Dive into the complexities of Maryland's legislative session with Rebecca Snyder and special guest Lorenzo Bellamy of Bellamy Genn Group. From navigating a looming $2.7 billion budget deficit to discussing the evolution of public notices and news media in the digital age, this episode unpacks the key issues shaping Maryland's future. Plus, gain practical advice on advocacy and staying engaged in the legislative process.

In the last episode of Five Dubs: Marketing Pros for 2024, Kevin Berrier from MDDC Ad Services sits down with Erik Nefores, founder of The Green Villager, to talk about how sustainability and technology can work together to create a better future. Erik shares what inspired him to start The Green Villager, a blog and community hub focused on making eco-friendly concepts simple and accessible. He discusses ideas like Earthships, solar punk values, and using AI to create meaningful content and visuals.

Kevin and Erik talk about the challenges of promoting sustainability in a world filled with negativity and the importance of sharing factual, responsibly sourced information. Erik explains how he uses creative visuals inspired by impressionist art to make his content stand out while staying true to his mission.

They also cover Erik's journey balancing his personal and professional life while building a brand rooted in optimism and innovation. Erik shares his long-term vision for The Green Villager, which includes creating sustainable, passive homes that blend modern technology with traditional practices to redefine how communities live and thrive.

Tune in to learn how The Green Villager is making sustainability approachable and why optimism and creativity are essential for the future. Visit GreenVillager.com, follow them on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to their newsletter to stay inspired.

In this episode, Rebecca Snyder welcomes Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of the Afro-American Newspapers, to discuss her upcoming book Prayer and Pen, set to release in January 2025. Toni shares the deeply personal and historical journey behind this unique collection of prayers written by her grandfather, Carl Murphy—a prolific writer, journalist, and former editor of the Afro. Together, they explore how these prayers, scribbled on everything from napkins to envelopes, offer insights into Carl Murphy’s spiritual and professional life as he navigated pivotal moments in history, from the March on Washington to his editorial work. 

Toni also dives into the Afro’s storied legacy, touching on its archival treasures, its connection to the Black church and civil rights movement, and the family's remarkable contributions to journalism, community building, and justice. This heartfelt episode highlights the timeless relevance of Carl Murphy’s prayers and proverbs, while celebrating the Afro’s dedication to preserving Black history and culture. 

Join us as we reflect on the power of prayer, the importance of legacy, and the enduring impact of the Afro on generations past, present, and future. 

In this episode of Marketing Pros, host Kevin Berrier dives deep into the evolving world of social media marketing and the impact of AI with Ross Gray, co-founder and COO of Cloud Campaign. Together, they explore how businesses and marketers can balance the efficiency of AI tools with the human touch needed for authentic engagement.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI can optimize your social media content while keeping it personal.
• Why authenticity still outshines AI-generated posts in performance.
• The importance of data-driven strategies like optimizing post timing and content type.
• Real-life examples of effective evergreen and real-time content.
• The risks and ethics of using AI, and how to mitigate “AI hallucinations.”

Ross also shares insights into trends shaping the future of social media, including the rise of pop-culture-driven content and the evolving role of AI in marketing. Plus, get a sneak peek into what’s next for Cloud Campaign.

Whether you're a marketer, business owner, or social media enthusiast, this episode offers actionable tips and a fresh perspective on leveraging AI while staying authentic.

Shoutout:
Check out Cloud Campaign for powerful tools to elevate your social media game.

Follow us, share the love, and let’s make your content strategy unstoppable!

 In this Rewind episode of Five Dubs, host Rebecca Snyder speaks with Allison Taylor Levine, executive director of the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) in Delaware. Allison discusses her journey from journalism to nonprofit work, her passion for strengthening local news, and how LJI aims to support Delaware’s media ecosystem. She shares insights from the recent Delaware News Ecosystem Report, revealing how Delaware’s unique community offers a testing ground for innovative models in journalism. Tune in to hear about the launch of Spotlight Delaware, a collaborative nonprofit newsroom set to fill reporting gaps and amplify community voices. If you care about democracy, community connection, and the future of local news, this episode is a must-listen. 

In this Rewind episode of Five Dubs by MDDC Press, host Rebecca Snyder sits down with Michael Fletcher from ESPN’s Enterprise Reporting Team. Michael shares his unique journey into journalism, starting from an unexpected interest in engineering to a celebrated career covering stories that intersect sports, politics, and social issues. They discuss some of his groundbreaking work, including coverage of high-profile stories like Michael Oher’s conservatorship case and Colin Kaepernick’s activism, and explore why persistence and curiosity are key to success in journalism. Tune in for insights on how journalism connects people to the powerful, frames societal issues, and plays a crucial role in democracy.

In this episode of The Five Dubs Podcast, MDDC Executive Director and Host Rebecca Snyder explores the Maryland Kids Code, a legislative effort aimed at protecting the data of minors on social media. Loyola University Maryland Philosophy Professor Nina Guise-Gerrity and student Kate McLaughlin discuss their research on the bill's implications for local journalism and media, emphasizing the balance between protecting youth and ensuring the survival of local news outlets. They highlight the challenges posed by social media and the need for responsible data handling, while also addressing concerns about the bill's potential impact on local journalism. This conversation explores the intersection of local media and social media, the challenges posed by recent legislation, and the evolving landscape of journalism, particularly in relation to youth engagement and the future of local news. The speakers discuss the implications of social media on local journalism, the complexities of legislative efforts to support local media, and the need for ongoing dialogue about the role of journalism in communities.

CLICK HERE to learn more about MD Kids Code. 

On this week’s episode of Five Dubs: Marketing Pros, host Kevin Berrier has a conversation with Jake Shipley and Darius Long of County Sports Zone, a digital platform dedicated to high school sports in Maryland. We explore the brand’s inception, growth, and future, and discuss the challenges they faced, including the impact of the pandemic, and how they adapted to meet the needs of their audience. They highlight the importance of community engagement, the diversity of their user base, and the innovative features they are developing, such as the student ambassador program and spirit points system to enhance user interaction. 

In this episode, host Rebecca Snyder welcomes Kathryn Foxhall from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) to discuss a crucial issue affecting journalists today: the growing difficulty in accessing public information due to gag orders imposed by public information officers (PIOs). Kathryn shares insights from her extensive experience in fighting for transparency, highlighting a pivotal case led by journalist Brittany Haler (covered previously in episode #37). Together, they explore how gag orders restrict the free flow of information, the challenges journalists face in getting the full story, and how the fight for transparency is not over. Kathryn and Rebecca also dive into the legal battles being fought by First Amendment clinics and discuss ways journalists and citizens alike can push back against this concerning trend. This episode sheds light on the vital role journalists play in ensuring government accountability and the importance of continuing this fight for the public's right to know

Tune in to hear how SPJ and others are tackling this issue and what can be done to protect the integrity of journalism in the face of increasing censorship.

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A message from Kathryn Foxhall:

"A number of journalism groups, including the Society of Professional Journalists, have long fought the bans, in agencies and elsewhere, against employees speaking to journalists, or from speaking to them without notifying the authorities, often through the public information office.

We have had what we hope is a groundbreaking legal settlement in which a journalist filed a suit for herself against an agency’s restrictions. Reporter Brittany Hailer sued the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh which prohibited even the medical personnel from talking to reporters, even as a high death rate was alleged. Yale Law School Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic and the Reporters’ Committee for Freedom of the Press represented her.

In April Hailer won a favorable settlement with strong First Amendment language supporting employees’ and contractors’ right to speak to reporters.

In light of the settlement, SPJ has issued a call for action against gag rules and “Censorship by PIO.”

Frank LoMonte, previously head of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information,  provided foundational thinking on the issue in a 2019 report. Frank says these constraints are unconstitutional, that many courts have said so, and that journalists should be able to bring their own cases. A shorter version of that report is here.

Glen Nowak, a former CDC communications director, has said that presidential administrations hand down mandates on what may be said and who reporters may talk to; that the controls have tightened under every president since Reagan; and that they are explicitly political.

A list of resources is here."