In this episode, we explore the critical role of local news in sustaining communities and democracy. Rebecca speaks with Melissa Milios Davis, network manager of Press Forward, and Darryl Holliday, co-founder of Commoner, about the findings of a new report on local journalism. Together, they discuss why philanthropy is stepping up to support newsrooms, how new models like Commoner are reshaping coverage, and what’s at stake if communities lose trusted sources of information. From funding challenges to innovative solutions, this conversation highlights the urgency—and the promise—of strengthening local news.

Paula Knudsen Burke, an attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and Brittany Hailer, Director of Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism and an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh, talk about the lawsuit against an Allegheny County media policy, which says people working in the jail cannot contact media without first going through the county staff.

Resources from the interview include:

https://www.rcfp.org/litigation/hailer-v-allegheny-county/

SPJ on PIOs: https://www.spj.org/public-information-officers/

DC chapter of SPJ on PIOs: https://spjdc.org/pio-project/

Brechner Center paper: https://brechner.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Public-employee-gag-orders-Brechner-issue-brief-as-published-10-7-19.pdf

Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts Alexander Pyles, the Associate Dean at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Pyles, who also serves as the mentor coordinator for the MDDC internship program, shares invaluable insights on how to excel as a mentor for young journalists. Whether you're involved with the MDDC program or guiding interns and early-career journalists in other contexts, this episode offers practical tips and heartwarming anecdotes on fostering reciprocal and meaningful mentorship relationships. Tune in to discover how to inspire and nurture the next generation of journalism leaders while enriching your own professional journey.

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.

Rebecca joins Allison Taylor Levine, the passionate Executive Director of the Local Journalism Initiative in Delaware. Allison shares her journey from a journalist to leading a nonprofit organization aimed at strengthening democracy and community through local journalism. She delves into various innovative projects, including supporting young journalists from underrepresented communities and conducting a comprehensive assessment of Delaware's news and information ecosystem.

Listeners will discover the exciting initiatives underway, such as the Delaware Journalism Collaborative and the launch of a new nonprofit newsroom, Spotlight Delaware. Allison's personal story, including her background in journalism and philanthropy, and the impact of her late husband's legacy in the field, adds a touching and motivational aspect to her mission.

For more information, see: https://ljidelaware.org/

In this episode, Kevin Berrier talks with Jason Whong of Whong Community Media about building a lean, community-focused publishing business and how he’s using AI to streamline operations without losing the human touch. Jason shares how he balances multiple publications, experiments with custom AI automations, and keeps community at the heart of his work.

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. Jerry 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 special episode, Rebecca sits down with Darin McCann and Sue Lyons, the dynamic duo behind Coastal Point, a gem in the heart of Ocean View, Delaware. As they mark the 20th anniversary of their beloved publication, we dive into the journey of Coastal Point from its inception to becoming a staple in the local community and beyond.

Discover the evolution of this news outlet from a traditional print publication to a digital powerhouse, complete with a robust website and specialized magazines like the glossy Delaware Seaside Bride. With a commitment to keeping everything local, Darin and Sue share their unique blend of editorial excellence and community focus that has garnered them a wall full of awards and the loyalty of their readers.

Join us in celebrating Coastal Point's remarkable milestone and exploring the future of local journalism with two of the industry's most passionate advocates. This episode is a tribute to the power of local news and the people who make it possible.