E159: How One Publisher Turned Local Sports Into a Revenue Engine

E159: How One Publisher Turned Local Sports Into a Revenue Engine

Author: MDDC Press Association March 25, 2026 Duration: 1:01:14

In this episode, Kevin talks with Sam Dixon, publisher of Sports Weekly+, about how a one-person effort covering high school sports grew into a thriving local media brand. Sam shares how he identified a gap in coverage during the pandemic and built a publication that blends print, digital, and social media to serve his community.

They discuss the realities of running a modern local news operation—from monetizing Facebook and building a subscriber model to balancing print with digital growth. Sam also explains how his work doubles as a training ground for student journalists, why community-focused content still drives engagement, and how looking to the past can help shape the future of local media.


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
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