E176: AI Content licensing Initiatives with Cassie Sciortino and Regan Smith of News Media Alliance

E176: AI Content licensing Initiatives with Cassie Sciortino and Regan Smith of News Media Alliance

Author: MDDC Press Association July 22, 2026 Duration: 42:52

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Cassie Sciortino, director of legal, and Regan Smith, senior vice president and general counsel at the News Media Alliance, about how AI is reshaping the news industry and the organization's efforts to help publishers protect and monetize their content. They discuss the legal and policy challenges surrounding AI training, copyright, and transparency, while explaining why licensing agreements are emerging as a practical way for publishers to work with responsible AI companies rather than against them.

The conversation explores News Media Alliance's new opt-in AI licensing initiatives, including partnerships with ProRata AI and Bria AI, and how these agreements create new revenue opportunities while preserving publishers' control over their intellectual property. Cassie and Regan also share practical advice for publishers navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape—from managing copyrights and content rights to evaluating AI vendors and preparing for future licensing opportunities—while emphasizing that sustainable partnerships, transparency, and strong legal protections will be key to the future of journalism in the AI era.


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: 50

Five Dubs Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E185: Investigative Reporting with Kate Cimini of The Baltimore Sun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:23
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Kate Cimini, investigations editor at The Baltimore Sun, about her award-winning investigative reporting and life as a journalist. Cimini's series on child welfare at Maryland's Free S…
E184: Charting a New Path at The Salt Lake Tribune with Danyelle White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:01
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Danyelle White, Chief of Content at The Salt Lake Tribune, about the newsroom’s journey through digital transformation and what it means to practice “conscious disruption.” White expla…
E183: National Press Foundation with Rebecca Sinderbrand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:22
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Rebecca Sinderbrand, the newly named president of the National Press Foundation, about the foundation’s mission to support journalists through training, fellowships, mentorship, and pr…
E182: Open Secrets with Joedy McCreary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:33
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Joedy McCreary, senior reporter at OpenSecrets.org, about following the money behind political campaigns and public policy. Joedy discusses his reporting on Maryland’s 6th Congressiona…
E181: Chesapeake Bay Newscast with Jeremy Cox of The Bay Journal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:18
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Jeremy Cox, reporter for the Chesapeake Bay Journal, about the publication’s Bay Journal Newscast and its approach to reaching audiences through audio. Jeremy explains how the monthly…
E180: The Next Journalism with Tom Rosenstiel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:05
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Tom Rosenstiel, professor of practice at the University of Maryland and author of The Next Journalism, about how journalism must evolve to better serve the public. Tom explains why the…
E178: How Americans Evaluate News Organizations with Rufus Friday [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:32
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Rufus Friday, executive director of the Center for Integrity in News Reporting, about new research examining how Americans evaluate and trust national news organizations. Rufus explain…
E177: Community Connectors with The 51st's Christina Sturdivant Sani [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:08
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Christina Sturdivant Sani, executive editor of The 51st, about the organization's innovative Community Connectors program and its approach to building trust through community engagemen…