In this episode, host Rebecca Snyder sits down with Pat Reynolds, the President and Executive Director of the Council on State Taxation (COST), to discuss the growing trend of advertising and service taxes across the U.S. They explore how states like Maryland have implemented digital advertising taxes and the broader implications for businesses and consumers alike. Pat offers insights into the legal challenges surrounding these taxes, the impact on both large and small businesses, and why transparent and fair tax policies are crucial for a healthy economy. Tune in to learn about the latest in state taxation, the complexities of administering advertising taxes, and what the future holds for this controversial issue.

In this episode of the Member Spotlight, Rebecca Snyder sits down with Lara Lutz, editor of the Bay Journal, to discuss the publication’s role in environmental journalism across the Chesapeake Bay region. Covering parts of six states and Washington, D.C., the Bay Journal has been providing crucial reporting on the restoration of the Bay and environmental issues for over 30 years. Learn about the challenges of nonprofit journalism, the evolution of environmental reporting, and how the Bay Journal collaborates with local news outlets to keep the public informed.

In this episode, Jerry Zremski, of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, takes center stage for an in-depth conversation on the current state of local journalism. Zremski shares his unique insights on covering politics and policy from the nation's capital, delving into the intricacies of reporting on Western New York issues from Washington, D.C. He discusses the challenges of maintaining local relevance in a national landscape and offers a candid perspective on the evolving media environment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of local news and national policy, as well as the future of regional journalism in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, Kevin Berrier dives into the highly impactful antitrust ruling against Google with expert insights from digital marketing pros Ben Bouslog and Sam Rahimi of AdCellerant. They discuss the intricacies of the case, drawing parallels to past antitrust actions like those against Microsoft, and explore the potential consequences for businesses relying on Google for search and advertising. The trio delves into how this ruling could reshape the digital marketing landscape, from SEO and content strategies to the shifting costs and competition in advertising. With a mix of expert analysis and practical advice, this episode offers valuable guidance for businesses on how to navigate these changes, emphasizing the importance of diversification, staying informed, and leveraging first-party data in a post-Google-dominated world. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a business owner, this discussion will prepare you to adapt and thrive in an evolving digital environment.

Tune in for actionable strategies to future-proof your marketing efforts and stay ahead of the curve.

In the final episode of the Master Class series, Rebecca Snyder hosts an insightful discussion with award-winning journalist Julie Scharper from the Baltimore Banner. Scharper shares her journey in journalism, from her early days at the Baltimore Sun to her current role as an enterprise reporter at the Banner. She provides a deep dive into her Best of Show-winning feature story about Gavin Knupp, a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, exploring the emotional and investigative process behind the piece. Scharper also discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in reporting for a nonprofit startup and reflects on how her background in psychology informs her compassionate, trauma-informed approach to storytelling. This episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring journalists and a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of feature writing.

Read Scharper's award-winning piece here, and learn more about trauma-informed reporting practices with Snyder here.

MDDC Executive Director Rebecca Snyder sits with Abby higgins and Eric Falquero of The 51st Newsroom, a worker-led nonprofit dedicated to transforming local journalism in Washington, DC. Hear firsthand from the passionate journalists driving this initiative, as they share their journey of launching a public crowdfunding campaign to build a better local news site. Discover how their commitment to democratic and collective decision-making shapes their newsroom, ensuring that journalists have a say in coverage and the future direction of the organization. Dive into their mission of deep community engagement and contextualized reporting on local issues, and learn about the overwhelming community support they've received. The newsroom’s ambitious plans to scale up include adding staff members and information organizers in each ward of DC. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the future of local news and the innovative efforts to keep it thriving in the nation's capital.

Interested in donating to The 51st Newsroom? DONATE HERE until August 13, 2024, 11 PM EST.

Join us for an enlightening session with Xerxes Wilson from The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware as we dive deep into the intricacies of First Amendment and free speech reporting. Discover the compelling story behind Wilson's award-winning piece on a prison boycott in Delaware, exploring the high costs of prison tablet services and the broader implications for free speech and prisoner rights. Tune in to learn about the balance between security and exploitation in the prison system, and how one man's courageous protest against exorbitant rates sparked a significant story.

Join us for a mouth-watering episode as we sit down with Eammon Azizi, the mastermind behind the award-winning Que 42 BBQ. From his early days in marketing to becoming a celebrated pitmaster, Azizi shares his unique journey of turning a passion for BBQ into a beloved brand. Discover how his innovative approach to flavors, dedication to quality and support for local businesses have made Que 42 a standout in the BBQ scene. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, expert tips, and the delicious details that make Que 42 a true labor of love. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just love a good success story, this episode is sure to fire up your inspiration!