Join Rebecca as she sits down with Mike McClure, publisher of Morning Star Publications. Discover how McClure's lifelong passion for baseball and his extensive experience in journalism have shaped his career and the local newspapers he now leads. Learn about the unique challenges and joys of covering high school sports, local news and community events in the heart of Delaware. Mike also discusses the evolution of Morning Star Publications and his vision for the future, including exciting new ventures and strategies to keep local journalism thriving.

In this episode of our Master Class series, Rebecca Snyder sits down with Alex Mann from The Baltimore Sun. Mann, a Best of Show winner for the profile category in the MDDC contest, shares his insights on the art of crafting compelling profiles. They delve into Mann's acclaimed profile of Earl Young, a former inmate turned mentor for Baltimore City Schools. Alex discusses the genesis of the story, his approach to interviewing, and the challenges of navigating sensitive topics. Learn how to bring out the essence of your subjects and create narratives that resonate deeply with readers.

Join us for an enlightening session with Dwight Weingarten, an award-winning investigative reporter for the Daily Times and the Herald-Mail. In this master class, Dwight delves into his groundbreaking investigation of child labor in Purdue plants. Discover the behind-the-scenes process of fact-checking, source management and the challenges of covering sensitive topics under tight deadlines. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of investigative journalism, revealing the dedication and perseverance required to uncover the truth and bring important issues to light.

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.

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Join host Kevin Berrier as he delves into the transformative world of workplace safety and inclusivity with Bryce Griffler from Safety is for Everyone. In this enlightening episode, Bryce shares how Safety is for Everyone challenges norms and fosters environments of understanding and respect across diverse industries. Discover the journey behind the brand, the importance of normalizing discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and practical steps businesses can take to create safer, more inclusive workplaces. Tune in to learn how data and storytelling can drive meaningful change and innovation in your organization.

Rebecca Snyder talks with seasoned journalists about their past experiences as interns. Andy Schotz of the Frederick News-Post, Krys’tal Griffin of the News Journal, Jack Hogan of The Daily Record and Amanda Yeager of the Baltimore Business Journal offer advice for incoming interns. From getting integrated with the newsroom to navigating tight deadlines, hear what the journalists have to say to MDDC Press Association's class of summer 2024 interns.

Rebecca Snyder chats with Geordie Wilson, publisher of the Frederick News Post, about their innovative tourism publication, Day-tripper. In a fast-paced brainstorm amidst a challenging season, Wilson and his team turned a dire forecast into a regional tourism success story, featuring vibrant destinations across western Maryland and northern Virginia. Discover how this collaborative project, now a seasonal staple, harnessed local charm to attract both readers and advertisers, turning a quick print idea into a multi-county franchise. Tune in to hear about the creative process, the power of print in a digital world and how community trust and innovation come together to drive regional tourism success.

In this episode, Rebecca Snyder chats with Dana Peck of the AFRO about their innovative digital billboard network launched in 2023. Funded by philanthropy, these billboards in Baltimore retail locations broadcast AFRO's news, advertisements and public service announcements to reach underserved communities. The episode also covers the role of grants in supporting these initiatives, integration with events like the Black Business Expo and The AFRO's legacy as a family business. Tune in to learn how the AFRO is leveraging technology to stay relevant and support local businesses.

Join host Kevin Berrier as he explores the inspiring work of the Maryland School for the Blind and their innovative See Beyond Festival. This episode features Marlo Jacobson, Director of Development at the Maryland School for the Blind, and Lindsay Hebert, Public Relations Director at Devaney & Associates. The guests discuss the school's mission, the evolution of the festival and the impact of strategic marketing on fostering community engagement and accessibility. Tune in for touching stories and insights into how this historic institution empowers children with visual impairments.

Join us with The Baltimore Banner's standout achievement of 2023 with Editor-in-Chief Kimi Yoshino and Sports Editor Chris Korman. Discover how their strategic move to build a dedicated sports team has revolutionized their coverage, bringing in-depth and analytical content to Orioles and Ravens fans. From hiring top-tier journalists to engaging with the community through innovative digital platforms, Kimi and Chris share their journey of expanding The Banner's sports journalism. Learn about their unique approach to humanizing athletes, the impact of their coverage on subscriptions and their plans for the future. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the best moves in sports journalism!

In this episode, join Rebecca Snyder as she sits down with Amanda Kell and Annie Jennemann from The Baltimore Sun to discuss their groundbreaking work on uncovering clergy abuse within the Catholic Church in Maryland. Amanda and Annie delve into the intricate process of compiling a comprehensive database that goes beyond the surface, revealing the extensive history of abuse across various dioceses. From navigating through countless sources to the meticulous verification of names and details, discover the profound impact of their investigative journalism on shedding light on this critical issue. Join the conversation as they share insights into the ongoing efforts to bring justice and awareness to survivors and communities affected by clergy abuse.

Join Rebecca Snyder in this enriching episode as she sits down with Kristi English, Director of Marketing and Events for APG Media of Chesapeake, to delve into the innovative "Women to Watch Summer Speaker Series" hosted by The Star Democrat. From personal stories of resilience to professional pivots, discover how this unique series fosters connections, celebrates achievements, and amplifies the voices of remarkable women across the midshore region. Tune in for insights on community impact, diversity, and the power of recognition in this engaging conversation.

In this episode, join us as we sit down with nominees for MDDC's prestigious Rookie of the Year award. These rising stars in journalism—Greg Morton, Annie Jennemann, Maggie Trovato and Braden Hamelin—share their journeys, insights and aspirations in the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting. From data-driven storytelling to community engagement, these early-career journalists discuss their paths into the industry, the challenges of information overload, and their visions for the future of journalism. Tune in to discover how these emerging talents are reshaping the narrative, and making an impact in local and global communities.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the groundbreaking fusion of AI and storytelling in digital marketing. Our guest, Austin Armstrong, CEO of Syllaby.io, shares insights on leveraging short-form vertical videos to engage audiences effectively. From the evolution of social media platforms to the birth of Syllaby.io, discover how to harness the power of AI to create compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. Get ready to revolutionize your marketing strategy in the age of AI!

As we approach 4/20 this week, we take a look back at this special edition episode of Marketing Pros. Kevin Berrier, Marketing Director of MDDC Advertising Services, is joined by Andrew Garrison, Chief of the Office of Policy and Government Affairs for the Maryland Cannabis Administration, Wendy Bronfein, Co-Founder, Chief Brand Officer and Director of Public Policy at Curio Wellness, and Ben Bouslog, Vice President of Business Development for Adcellerant to talk about what news media needs to know about Cannabis Advertising in Maryland. 

Rebecca chats with director and producer Josh Davidsburg about his upcoming documentary on the Baltimore Banner. The Baltimore Banner is a local, nonprofit newspaper that's seeking to alter local journalism. Listen to Josh tell his story about what drew him to this project and what to expect in his upcoming film.

Join Rebecca Snyder as she sits down with Brian Compere, digital editor at The Daily Record, to delve into their notable achievement in 2023: the redesign of their digital platforms. In this insightful conversation, Brian shares the intricacies and challenges behind the overhaul, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistency across BridgeTower Media's diverse publications. Discover how this redesign marked a pivotal moment, not just in aesthetics, but in user experience and audience engagement.

In this episode, MDDC Marketing Director Kevin Berrier delves into the world of personal branding through the lens of music and creativity with the incredibly talented Nicole Brancato. A pianist, composer, and curator, Nicole embodies the essence of personal branding, not just by crafting a unique identity but by living and breathing her brand in every note she plays and every project she undertakes. Join us as we explore Nicole's journey, her approach to blending music with storytelling, and how she redefines branding by being authentically herself.

Dive into the fascinating journey of Baltimore Fishbowl, an online news site dedicated to capturing the essence of Baltimore's vibrant community. Join host Rebecca Snyder as she sits down with Suzy Dunn, the founder of Baltimore Fishbowl, to uncover the evolution of this unique platform over the past decade. From untold stories to offbeat humor, discover how Fishbowl has become a beloved voice in Baltimore's media landscape.

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we delve into the crucial world of government transparency and the fight for access to public information. Our special guest, David Cuillier, director of the Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida, sheds light on Sunshine Week and the ongoing battle to ensure the public's right to know. From the evolution of Freedom of Information laws to the challenges faced in accessing government records, we explore the significance of transparency in democracy and the impact of secrecy on society. Tune in to learn how Sunshine Week is championing transparency, empowering citizens, and shaping the future of government accountability.

In this episode, join us as we delve into The Daily Record's Best Move in 2023, featuring Patrick Brannan's insights. Discover how the Empowering Women initiative took shape, honoring organizations that uplift and empower women across Maryland. From recognizing women leaders to fostering inclusivity in the workplace, explore the impact of this groundbreaking event within the broader landscape of individual awards. Learn how this recognition is not just a one-time affair but a continuous effort to celebrate and support women's achievements, with insights into the event's evolution and future prospects. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the significance of empowering women in today's society and the transformative power of recognition.

In this episode, we embark on an incredible journey of resilience and compassion. Join us as we dive deep into the heartwarming story of founder Louise Phipps Senft and her nonprofit, Blink of an Eye. Discover the impact they're making and learn how they're supporting families during the challenging aftermath of spinal cord injuries. Tune in for inspiration and hope!

Want to learn more about the Blink of an Eye Podcast? CLICK HERE

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.

Join us for a comprehensive exploration of privacy in the digital age, where legal frameworks, technology, and societal needs intersect. Rebecca takes a deep dive into the evolving landscape of data privacy and protection with Cobun Zweifel-Keegan, the Managing Director at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Cobun shares his insights on the significant role IAPP plays in shaping the global privacy profession and the emerging challenges and opportunities in AI governance. The conversation navigates through the intricacies of privacy regulations, highlighting the GDPR's impact, the nuances of U.S. privacy laws, and the increasing global coverage of privacy legislation. With a special focus on children's data privacy and the complex terrain of online privacy bills in the U.S., Zweifel-Keegan elucidates the potential effects of these regulations on both big tech and traditional media. The episode not only unravels the current state and future direction of privacy laws but also contemplates the implications of AI advancements on privacy standards.

For more information on the important work from the IAPP: https://iapp.org/

Rebecca Snyder welcomes Max Mishkin with Ballard Spahr for an in-depth discussion on the evolving battle against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) within the Maryland General Assembly. Max, an attorney with a keen insight into media defense, unravels the complex nature of SLAPP suits, explaining their strategic use to silence critics through the burdensome costs and stresses of litigation rather than seeking justice through legal victories.

The conversation sheds light on the nuances distinguishing SLAPP suits from ordinary libel and defamation cases, highlighting their broader implications on free speech and public participation. Max elucidates the foundational aspects of libel law, including the pivotal role of actual malice in defamation cases and how SLAPP suits weaponize legal processes to discourage dissent.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of law, journalism, and the ongoing struggle to safeguard democratic principles through the right to free speech.

HB 330, sponsored by Delegate Rosenberg, will be heard in Maryland's House Judiciary Committee Wednesday, February 7, 2024. The cross-filed bill (SB 568, sponsored by Senator Hettleman) will be heard in Maryland's Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 20, 2024.