E143: Spotting Fake News

E143: Spotting Fake News

Author: MDDC Press Association December 10, 2025 Duration: 51:21

In this episode, Rebecca talks with veteran journalist and media literacy expert Jane Elizabeth about how to recognize misinformation in an era when false stories travel faster than the truth. Jane breaks down the psychology behind why people believe fake news, the red flags to watch for when evaluating online sources, and the subtle ways misinformation can spread even through well-meaning friends or familiar platforms. They explore practical tools for fact-checking, what responsible news consumption looks like today, and how journalists can rebuild trust without sacrificing rigor.


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
E102: Bethesda Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:31
Join us for an insightful conversation with Amy Orndorff, managing editor of Bethesda Magazine and Bethesda Today. Amy shares the evolution of Bethesda’s local news, the challenges of covering Montgomery County with a sm…
E101: Access to Autopsy Reports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:32
Rebecca Snyder sits down with Ryan Little, data editor at The Baltimore Banner, to explore the power of data in investigative journalism. They discuss the role of data analysis in uncovering major trends, particularly in…
E100: Elevating Your Brand for A Modern Audience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:51
In our first Marketing Pros episode of 2025, we sit down with Mya Shell, a 25-year-old brand marketing powerhouse. From growing up in a small Ohio town to shaping major campaigns in the tech world, Mya's journey is nothi…
E99 - State of Local News Report [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:30
Join Rebecca Snyder as she sits down with Tim Franklin, Senior Associate Dean and Director of the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University. In this episode, they dive into the latest Medill State of Local…
E98: Maryland Legislative Outlook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:40
Dive into the complexities of Maryland's legislative session with Rebecca Snyder and special guest Lorenzo Bellamy of Bellamy Genn Group. From navigating a looming $2.7 billion budget deficit to discussing the evolution…
E97: Green Villager, Erik Nefores [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:21
In the last episode of Five Dubs: Marketing Pros for 2024, Kevin Berrier from MDDC Ad Services sits down with Erik Nefores, founder of The Green Villager, to talk about how sustainability and technology can work together…
E96: Prayer and Pen with Toni Draper of the Afro News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:29
In this episode, Rebecca Snyder welcomes Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of the Afro-American Newspapers, to discuss her upcoming book Prayer and Pen, set to release in January 2025. Toni shares the deeply personal and…
E94: - REWIND - Local Journalism Initiative, Allison Taylor Levine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
In this Rewind episode of Five Dubs, host Rebecca Snyder speaks with Allison Taylor Levine, executive director of the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) in Delaware. Allison discusses her journey from journalism to nonpro…
E93: Rewind - ESPN, Michael Fletcher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
In this Rewind episode of Five Dubs by MDDC Press, host Rebecca Snyder sits down with Michael Fletcher from ESPN’s Enterprise Reporting Team. Michael shares his unique journey into journalism, starting from an unexpected…