E164: Groundbreaking Local News Legislation with Steve Waldman

E164: Groundbreaking Local News Legislation with Steve Waldman

Author: MDDC Press Association April 29, 2026 Duration: 1:05:30

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Steve Waldman of Rebuild Local News about emerging legislation designed to support and sustain local journalism. Steve explains the policy ideas gaining traction at both the state and federal levels, including tax credits, incentives, and other approaches aimed at strengthening newsroom capacity and rebuilding local coverage.

They discuss how these proposals are structured to support publishers, journalists, and communities while maintaining editorial independence, as well as the challenges of advancing policy in a rapidly changing media landscape. Steve also shares insights on what effective legislation could look like in practice and why now is a critical moment for rethinking how local news is funded and supported.


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
E143: Spotting Fake News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 psycho…
E144: Trusting News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:37
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Joy Mayer, founder of Trusting News, about why trust in journalism has declined and how newsrooms can actively rebuild it. Joy explains the origins of her project, the research behind…
E142: FAVS News Service [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Tracy Simmons, founder of FAVS News, a unique regional wire service dedicated to reporting on religion, ethics, and values across the Pacific Northwest. Tracy shares the story of l…
E141: Leadership, LinkedIn, and Lessons from the C-Suite [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:02
In this episode, Kevin sits down with executive leader Krista Crawford for a candid conversation on what modern leadership really looks like—and why it’s more relational, reflective, and resilient than ever. Krista share…
E140: Rewind: Board of Ethics Decision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:23
This week, we take a look back at a 2023 decision from the Public Information Act Compliance Board. Fern Shen of the Baltimore Brew and Emily Opilo, who formerly worked for the Baltimore Sun, investigated the defense fun…
E139: Rewind: Master Class: Non-Profile Feature Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:50
In the final episode of the Master Class series, Rebecca Snyder hosts an insightful discussion with award-winning journalist Julie Scharper from the Baltimore Banner. Scharper shares her journey in journalism, from her e…
E138: The Intersection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:43
Rebecca welcomes Delonte Harrod, founder and editor of The Intersection Magazine, a publication dedicated to amplifying voices from Prince George’s County, Maryland. Delonte shares how he built The Intersection from the…
E137: Everyone needs a wing woman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:15
Running a business can feel isolating, but collaboration can be your greatest advantage. In this episode, Kevin sits down with Jen Anderson — the self-proclaimed “Professional Wing Woman” — to explore how teamwork, clari…
E136: Culture and community in the newsroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:27
Kyndell Harkness of the Minnesota Star Tribune joins Rebecca to discuss how newsroom culture evolves in times of reckoning and renewal. They reflect on the role of community within journalism — from internal employee res…
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…