Five Dubs Podcast

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Orestes Baez of APG Media of the Chesapeake and Betsy Griffin of The Star-Democrat about their “Best Move” of 2025: a full-scale overhaul of their newsletter strategy. What began as a fragmented system evolved into a unified, high-performing product reaching more than 96,000 subscribers with open rates well above industry averages.

They discuss how restructuring their approach—integrating content, advertising, and audience strategy—created new revenue opportunities while strengthening direct connections with readers outside of algorithm-driven platforms. The conversation also explores how personalization, data-driven decision-making, and constant testing shape the newsletter’s success, along with how the product fits into broader goals like subscriber growth and community engagement. Along the way, they reflect on balancing innovation with tradition, from AI experimentation to maintaining the local identity that keeps readers coming back.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Marlene Harris-Taylor of the American Press Institute about how community engagement can help local news organizations build stronger relationships with the people they serve. Marlene explains the difference between audience engagement and community engagement, sharing how newsrooms can move beyond simply attracting readers and instead become trusted conveners, listeners, and partners within their communities.

They discuss practical strategies for getting started, including community listening sessions, advisory groups, asset mapping, and creating feedback loops that help newsrooms better understand community needs. Marlene also highlights successful examples from across the country and emphasizes that meaningful engagement is a long-term investment that can lead to deeper trust, stronger journalism, and more inclusive coverage.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Anna Trammell of the Internet Archive and Kristen Hare of the Poynter Institute about the growing challenge of preserving local journalism in a digital age. They discuss why local news serves as an essential historical record, the risks posed by disappearing websites and outdated technology, and how communities can lose access to important stories when digital archives aren't properly maintained.

The conversation explores the Internet Archive's "Today's News for Tomorrow" initiative, a collaborative effort to help news organizations preserve their digital content for future generations. Anna and Kristen explain how newsrooms, libraries, archives, and community organizations can work together to safeguard local reporting, while also discussing the opportunities that well-preserved archives create for journalists, researchers, and the public. They also share practical steps news organizations can take now to ensure today's reporting remains accessible decades from now.

In this episode, Kevin talks with Sammy Papert of Pulse Research about how local media organizations can use shopping intent data and audience insights to sell advertising more effectively. They explore how consumer research can help sales teams move beyond transactional selling and become trusted advisors for local businesses by using real data to guide marketing conversations.

The discussion covers how Pulse Research gathers and analyzes shopping intent data, why advertisers increasingly expect audience intelligence and measurable ROI, and how media organizations can use those insights to build stronger multi-platform campaigns. Kevin and Sammy also share practical sales strategies—from prospecting and campaign planning to overcoming pricing objections—and explain how data-driven selling can help local publishers compete in a crowded advertising landscape while strengthening relationships with community businesses.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Nate Jones, FOIA director at The Washington Post, about the strategies, challenges, and importance of public records reporting. Drawing from decades of experience filing thousands of FOIA requests, Nate explains how journalists can better navigate federal and state transparency laws, from crafting effective requests to pushing back against delays and excessive redactions.

They discuss why public records remain one of the most powerful tools in journalism, how reporters can uncover stories hidden inside government systems, and why persistence is often the key to success. Nate also shares practical advice for reporters working with email requests, appeals, and data-driven investigations, while reflecting on the growing role of AI, the challenges facing FOIA systems nationwide, and what reforms could improve public access to information in the future.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, about transparency and accountability within the U.S. court system. Gabe explains the organization’s efforts to increase public access to judicial information, from financial disclosures and ethics issues to courtroom access and media coverage.

They discuss why transparency in the courts matters for both journalists and the public, the challenges reporters face when covering the judiciary, and how limited access can affect public trust in the legal system. The conversation also explores the balance between judicial independence and accountability, as well as the role local and national media play in helping the public better understand the courts.

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Simon Galperin of the Jersey Bee about rethinking the traditional voter guide to better serve modern audiences. Simon shares how his team approached building a guide that is more accessible, engaging, and useful for voters—moving beyond static formats to create something that meets people where they are.

They discuss the challenges of presenting complex political information in a clear and unbiased way, the importance of community trust in election coverage, and how design, distribution, and audience feedback all shape the final product. Simon also reflects on what local newsrooms can learn from this approach and how voter guides can play a more meaningful role in strengthening civic participation.

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.

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.