Join Rebecca as she sits down with Mike McClure, publisher of Morning Star Publications. Discover how McClure's lifelong passion for baseball and his extensive experience in journalism have shaped his career and the local newspapers he now leads. Learn about the unique challenges and joys of covering high school sports, local news and community events in the heart of Delaware. Mike also discusses the evolution of Morning Star Publications and his vision for the future, including exciting new ventures and strategies to keep local journalism thriving.

In this episode of our Master Class series, Rebecca Snyder sits down with Alex Mann from The Baltimore Sun. Mann, a Best of Show winner for the profile category in the MDDC contest, shares his insights on the art of crafting compelling profiles. They delve into Mann's acclaimed profile of Earl Young, a former inmate turned mentor for Baltimore City Schools. Alex discusses the genesis of the story, his approach to interviewing, and the challenges of navigating sensitive topics. Learn how to bring out the essence of your subjects and create narratives that resonate deeply with readers.

Join us for an enlightening session with Dwight Weingarten, an award-winning investigative reporter for the Daily Times and the Herald-Mail. In this master class, Dwight delves into his groundbreaking investigation of child labor in Purdue plants. Discover the behind-the-scenes process of fact-checking, source management and the challenges of covering sensitive topics under tight deadlines. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of investigative journalism, revealing the dedication and perseverance required to uncover the truth and bring important issues to light.

Join Rebecca Snyder as she hosts Alexander Pyles, the Associate Dean at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Pyles, who also serves as the mentor coordinator for the MDDC internship program, shares invaluable insights on how to excel as a mentor for young journalists. Whether you're involved with the MDDC program or guiding interns and early-career journalists in other contexts, this episode offers practical tips and heartwarming anecdotes on fostering reciprocal and meaningful mentorship relationships. Tune in to discover how to inspire and nurture the next generation of journalism leaders while enriching your own professional journey.

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Join host Kevin Berrier as he delves into the transformative world of workplace safety and inclusivity with Bryce Griffler from Safety is for Everyone. In this enlightening episode, Bryce shares how Safety is for Everyone challenges norms and fosters environments of understanding and respect across diverse industries. Discover the journey behind the brand, the importance of normalizing discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and practical steps businesses can take to create safer, more inclusive workplaces. Tune in to learn how data and storytelling can drive meaningful change and innovation in your organization.

Rebecca Snyder talks with seasoned journalists about their past experiences as interns. Andy Schotz of the Frederick News-Post, Krys’tal Griffin of the News Journal, Jack Hogan of The Daily Record and Amanda Yeager of the Baltimore Business Journal offer advice for incoming interns. From getting integrated with the newsroom to navigating tight deadlines, hear what the journalists have to say to MDDC Press Association's class of summer 2024 interns.

Rebecca Snyder chats with Geordie Wilson, publisher of the Frederick News Post, about their innovative tourism publication, Day-tripper. In a fast-paced brainstorm amidst a challenging season, Wilson and his team turned a dire forecast into a regional tourism success story, featuring vibrant destinations across western Maryland and northern Virginia. Discover how this collaborative project, now a seasonal staple, harnessed local charm to attract both readers and advertisers, turning a quick print idea into a multi-county franchise. Tune in to hear about the creative process, the power of print in a digital world and how community trust and innovation come together to drive regional tourism success.

In this episode, Rebecca Snyder chats with Dana Peck of the AFRO about their innovative digital billboard network launched in 2023. Funded by philanthropy, these billboards in Baltimore retail locations broadcast AFRO's news, advertisements and public service announcements to reach underserved communities. The episode also covers the role of grants in supporting these initiatives, integration with events like the Black Business Expo and The AFRO's legacy as a family business. Tune in to learn how the AFRO is leveraging technology to stay relevant and support local businesses.