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."

In this Member Spotlight episode, host Rebecca Snyder sits down with Konrad LaPrade, Group Publisher of INI USA, and Andy West, Editor-in-Chief, for an insightful discussion on the unique mission of INI Independent News Media. Konrad and Andy share how their nonprofit-owned, for-profit model allows them to focus on hyperlocal journalism, serving diverse communities across Delaware and Maryland. They explore the challenges and rewards of launching new publications, the impact of community involvement, and the role of local journalism in shaping civic engagement. Tune in to hear how INI is breaking new ground with innovative events, accessible news, and a fresh approach to local advertising.

Listen now to learn more about the power of community-driven news and the future of local journalism!

In this Member Spotlight episode, host Rebecca Snyder is joined by Jim Johnson, Executive Editor, and Chad Campbell, Assistant General Manager of APG Media, a network of over a dozen hyperlocal newspapers across Maryland. They discuss the importance of community news, the challenges of covering diverse regions, and their secret to longevity, with publications celebrating milestones of up to 200 years. Listen as they explore how local journalism thrives by connecting with communities, creating unique events like the "Women to Watch" series, and even launching AI-powered podcasts. Discover how APG’s blend of tradition and innovation keeps them at the heart of the community.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of local news, the power of hyperlocal coverage, and the exciting new ways APG is adapting to the digital age.

In this episode of Marketing Pros, host Kevin Berrier sits down with Sarah Mogol, Chair of the Board for Executive Alliance, to dive deep into the incredible efforts of this Maryland-based organization. They explore how Executive Alliance is empowering women professionals across various industries through mentorship, advocacy, and education.

Sarah shares more details about the November 13th event, Women of Excellence, which features keynote speaker Catie Griggs, President of Business Operations for the Baltimore Orioles, and reflects on the organization's impactful initiatives such as the Accelerate Women newsletter, the Women on Boards committee, and a mentorship program designed for women at the mid-level of their careers.

Listeners will also get a sneak peek into the diverse partnerships with companies such as Whiting Turner, McCormick, PNC Bank, and The Daily Record, all helping to champion gender equality in leadership roles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights how women can accelerate their careers and break through barriers in their professional lives.

Don’t miss the Women of Excellence event on November 13th at Martin’s West in Baltimore!

Visit Executive Alliance Website