E177: Community Connectors with The 51st's Christina Sturdivant Sani

E177: Community Connectors with The 51st's Christina Sturdivant Sani

Author: MDDC Press Association July 29, 2026 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 engagement. Christina explains how The 51st—a worker-led nonprofit newsroom serving Washington, D.C.—hires trusted community members to gather feedback, identify story ideas, and ensure its journalism reflects the needs of the people it serves.

They discuss how Community Connectors attend neighborhood events, conduct surveys, and create ongoing relationships that help shape editorial decisions and strengthen local trust. The conversation also explores The 51st's commitment to service journalism, audience-centered reporting, and sustainable community engagement, offering practical insights for news organizations looking to build deeper connections with their audiences.


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
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