In this episode, Rebecca talks with Debbie Bowden, publisher and editor of CarolineReview.News, about her “Best Move” of 2025: launching a print-on-demand version of her digital newspaper to better serve her community. Debbie explains how the idea grew out of a simple reader request and evolved into a practical solution for reaching residents without reliable internet access.

They discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a digital-first local news outlet, from building sustainable revenue streams to balancing print and digital formats. Debbie also shares how her background in economic development shapes her approach to local journalism, why community connection drives her work, and how small, strategic innovations can make a big impact for readers.

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by several nominees for MDDC’s Rookie of the Year award, highlighting early-career journalists making an impact across the region. The conversation features Kennedy Thomason of Caroline Review Magazine, Marwa Barakat of The Frederick News-Post, Nick Stonesifer of Spotlight Delaware, Shane Brennan of The News Journal/Delaware Online, and Ellie Wolfe of The Baltimore Banner.

Together, they discuss how they got their start in journalism, the beats they cover, and the stories that have been most meaningful in their early careers—from community-centered reporting to accountability journalism. They also reflect on the challenges of working in today’s media landscape, the importance of local news as a public service, and the skills they hope to develop as they continue to grow. The episode offers a snapshot of the next generation of journalists and the passion driving their work.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Johnny Bassett of Plucky Wire about a new approach to story sharing that’s helping newsrooms collaborate more efficiently. Johnny explains how the platform grew out of the Granite State News Collaborative in New Hampshire, where the challenge of sharing stories across outlets exposed the limits of email, Google Drive, and other tools.

They discuss how Plucky Wire simplifies the process by creating a centralized system for sharing stories, photos, and other content—while also providing built-in analytics to track what’s used and where. Johnny also shares how the platform has expanded to hundreds of outlets nationwide, the importance of identifying “news holes” that need to be filled, and how collaboration can save time and strengthen local journalism. The conversation explores future possibilities as well, including new tools for monetization, photo sharing, and supporting small newsrooms with limited resources.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Audrey Cooper, executive editor of The Baltimore Banner, about her path to leading one of the country’s most closely watched local newsrooms. Audrey reflects on her career across print and public radio, her mission to strengthen local journalism, and what drew her to the Banner at a pivotal moment of growth.

They discuss the importance of local news in fostering civic engagement, how storytelling and community relevance drive audience connection, and what it takes to build trust with readers. Audrey also shares her vision for the Banner’s future, from expanding coverage and experimenting with new formats to building a sustainable business model that supports impactful journalism at scale.

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.

Rebecca is joined by reporters Jeremy Cox and Maddie O’Neill to discuss the role of investigative reporting and the importance of public records in holding institutions accountable. They talk about how journalists use records requests to uncover stories that might otherwise remain hidden, the challenges that come with navigating government transparency laws, and why access to information is essential for strong local journalism. The conversation also touches on the spirit of Sunshine Week and why protecting the public’s right to know remains a critical part of a healthy democracy.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Zuri Berry, Montgomery County editor at The Baltimore Banner, about the organization’s expansion into one of Maryland’s largest and most underserved news markets. Zuri explains how the new Montgomery County bureau came together—from market research and community listening sessions to building a nine-person newsroom from scratch.

They discuss the challenges of launching coverage in a county of more than one million people, the importance of balancing breaking news with enterprise reporting, and how community engagement helps shape what the newsroom covers. Zuri also shares early lessons from the bureau’s first months, how the Banner approaches audience growth and social media, and what the expansion could mean for future regional coverage across the state.

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Executive Editor Jim Johnson as he reflects on a 50-year career in journalism. From his early days in California to building and leading community newspapers in Maryland, Jim shares the lessons he’s learned about storytelling, newsroom leadership, and the enduring value of local news.

They discuss the realities of newspaper ownership—especially the financial and operational challenges brought on by the pandemic—and the unique dynamic of purchasing and running papers as a family venture. Jim also emphasizes the responsibility of developing young journalists, the importance of curiosity in reporting, and why community engagement remains at the heart of strong local news. As he transitions into more of a mentoring role, Jim reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind: a new generation of reporters committed to telling stories that matter.