Five Dubs Podcast

Five Dubs focuses on the who, what, when, where and why of local news media in Maryland, Delaware and D.C. We’ll talk with the journalists about stories behind the news. Five Dubs is a project of the MDDC Press Association and is hosted by Rebecca Snyder and Kevin Berrier.

Five Dubs Podcast is a news podcast hosted by MDDC Press Association, with 184 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

MDDC Press Association hosts Five Dubs Podcast, a news show with 184 episodes published.

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  Episode #179

  E179: 30th Anniversary of Morning Star Publications with Publisher Mike McClure

  Aug 12, 202632 min

  In this episode, Rebecca talks with Mike McClure, publisher and owner of Morningstar Publications, about the 30th anniversary of the Seaford Star and Laurel Star. Mike reflects on the publications’ three decades of hyper-local coverage in Western Sussex County and the importance of being present at the town meetings, school events, sports, festivals, and community gatherings that matter most to local readers. They discuss how Morningstar Publications has adapted to changes in technology, advertising, and the news industry while maintaining its focus on local reporting. Mike also shares his journey from radio and sports broadcasting to owning the newspapers, his decision to purchase the publications to ensure the community would continue to have a local newspaper, and the role of community members, freelance writers, and local businesses in keeping the papers connected to the communities they serve.

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  Episode #178

  E178: How Americans Evaluate News Organizations with Rufus Friday

  Aug 5, 202647 min

  In this episode, Rebecca talks with Rufus Friday, executive director of the Center for Integrity in News Reporting, about new research examining how Americans evaluate and trust national news organizations. Rufus explains the findings from a nationwide survey of 11 major news outlets, highlighting the low levels of public trust, the growing difficulty audiences have distinguishing news from opinion, and the differences in how Americans prefer news to be presented. They discuss the Center's broader mission to rebuild trust in journalism through transparency, including encouraging news organizations to publish clear statements of their core journalistic values and better distinguish news reporting from opinion content. The conversation also explores what newsrooms can learn from the survey, why trust is essential to a healthy democracy, and the practical steps publishers can take to strengthen credibility and reconnect with their communities. https://www.cfinr.org/trust-remains-low-but-confidence-in-11-major-national-news-organizations-exceeds-estimates-of-trust-in-the-mass-media-overall

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  Episode #177

  E177: Community Connectors with The 51st's Christina Sturdivant Sani

  Jul 29, 202647 min

  In this episode, Rebecca talks with Christina Sturdivant Sani, executive editor of The 51st, about the organization's innovative Community Connectors program and its approach to building trust through community engagement. Christina explains how The 51st—a worker-led nonprofit newsroom serving Washington, D.C.—hires trusted community members to gather feedback, identify story ideas, and ensure its journalism reflects the needs of the people it serves. They discuss how Community Connectors attend neighborhood events, conduct surveys, and create ongoing relationships that help shape editorial decisions and strengthen local trust. The conversation also explores The 51st's commitment to service journalism, audience-centered reporting, and sustainable community engagement, offering practical insights for news organizations looking to build deeper connections with their audiences.

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  Episode #176

  E176: AI Content licensing Initiatives with Cassie Sciortino and Regan Smith of News Media Alliance

  Jul 22, 202643 min

  In this episode, Rebecca talks with Cassie Sciortino, director of legal, and Regan Smith, senior vice president and general counsel at the News Media Alliance, about how AI is reshaping the news industry and the organization's efforts to help publishers protect and monetize their content. They discuss the legal and policy challenges surrounding AI training, copyright, and transparency, while explaining why licensing agreements are emerging as a practical way for publishers to work with responsible AI companies rather than against them. The conversation explores News Media Alliance's new opt-in AI licensing initiatives, including partnerships with ProRata AI and Bria AI, and how these agreements create new revenue opportunities while preserving publishers' control over their intellectual property. Cassie and Regan also share practical advice for publishers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape—from managing copyrights and content rights to evaluating AI vendors and preparing for future licensing opportunities—while emphasizing that sustainable partnerships, transparency, and strong legal protections will be key to the future of journalism in the AI era.

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  Episode #175

  E175: Takeaways from the Kiplinger Fellowship with Chris Gunty, Andy Schotz and Matt Sullivan

  Jul 15, 202634 min

  In this episode, Rebecca talks with Chris Gunty of the Catholic Review, Andy Schotz of The Frederick News-Post, and Matt Sullivan of Spotlight Delaware about the insights they brought home from the Kiplinger Fellowship's Saving Local News: A Practical Guide . They reflect on the value of stepping away from the day-to-day demands of the newsroom to exchange ideas with journalists from across the country and explore practical strategies for strengthening local news. The conversation covers everything from business model planning and audience engagement to AI-powered tools, event calendars, newsletter optimization, and sustainable revenue strategies. They also discuss the importance of collaboration across news organizations, experimenting with new ideas, and focusing on journalism that is relentlessly useful to readers. The episode offers a candid look at how local news leaders are adapting to industry challenges while sharing practical lessons that can be applied in newsrooms of all sizes.

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