130: Rewind - New News in DC: 51st Newsroom

130: Rewind - New News in DC: 51st Newsroom

Author: MDDC Press Association September 10, 2025 Duration: 34:00

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.


Ever wonder how a major local story really came together, or what a reporter was thinking when they asked that tough question? Five Dubs Podcast pulls back the curtain on the newsrooms across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Hosts Rebecca Snyder and Kevin Berrier, through the MDDC Press Association, sit down with the journalists themselves to explore the how and why behind the headlines you read each day. This isn't just a recap of the news; it's a conversation about the process, the challenges, and the sometimes surprising human stories that unfold during the pursuit of a story. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to cover communities in this dynamic region, from the initial tip to the published piece. The Five Dubs Podcast offers a unique, insider perspective on the function and future of local media, making the landscape of regional journalism more accessible and understandable. It’s for anyone curious about the mechanics of news gathering and the people dedicated to telling our local stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Five Dubs Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E135: Deploying AI Ethically in News Media Organizations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:04
In this episode, Kevin Berrier journeys beyond the DMV to discuss how Wisconsin's Multi Media Channels have effectively used AI in the newsroom. CEO Pat Wood, editor Tina Scott, and creative strategist Natasha Winkler di…
E134: Rewind - Best Move - Empowering Women at the Daily Record [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:39
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 empowe…
E133 - This is local news now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
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…
E132: Rewind - Navigating a PIO Lawsuit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
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 Pittsbu…
E131: Rewind - Be the Best mentor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:22
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,…
E129: Rewind - Local Journalism Initiative [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
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 strengtheni…
E128: How AI Became a Personal Assistant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:31
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. J…
E127: Rewind - Local News Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
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 a…
E126: Rewind - Coastal Point [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:04
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…
E125: Rewind - Anti-SLAPP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:59
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 attor…