Five Dubs Podcast

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.

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Cheryl Thompson-Morton, head of advisory programs at the Lenfest Institute, to discuss the launch of the Lenfest Expert Network. Cheryl explains how the Institute—founded to steward The Philadelphia Inquirer and strengthen local journalism nationwide—has formalized its consulting expertise to better support newsrooms across the country.

They explore the biggest challenges facing local media today, including revenue generation, audience development, operational efficiency, and technology. Cheryl outlines how the Expert Network provides free, short-term consulting engagements with experienced news practitioners, helping news organizations prioritize strategies, build sustainable revenue models, and grow owned audiences in an era of declining platform traffic. The conversation also touches on Lenfest’s broader advisory work, communities of practice, and grant opportunities aimed at strengthening the future of local journalism.

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Kevin Berrier, marketing director at MDDC, for a wide-ranging conversation about why press associations exist and the role they play in sustaining local journalism. They reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of 2025, from revenue generation and advertising innovation to advocacy for press freedoms and public access to information. Kevin shares insights from his career on the business side of news, the evolving advertising landscape, and how tools like AI, training, and collaboration can help strengthen news organizations. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026, previewing new initiatives, partnerships, and strategies aimed at supporting members and reinforcing the power of the press.

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Lauren Vella, principal of the Delaware office at Cornerstone Government Affairs, for a look ahead at what to expect from the Delaware General Assembly. They discuss leadership continuity, recent special sessions, and the governor’s priorities as lawmakers return for the second year of the two-year session. The conversation covers major issues likely to dominate the year, including the state budget, education funding and school district consolidation, housing affordability, property tax reassessments, energy costs, data centers, and healthcare oversight. Lauren also breaks down the political landscape heading into the 2026 election cycle and explains how federal action continues to shape state-level policymaking in Delaware.

MDDC partnered with the Baltimore Public Relations Council to host a timely panel discussion on how PR professionals and journalists can work smarter together in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Featuring insights from local news leaders at The AFRO News, Baltimore Fishbowl, and The Daily Record, this conversation covers earned media, newsroom realities, and what really matters to editors in 2026.

Since this episode recording, Sameer Rao has resigned from The Daily Record. If you’d like to reach Editorial Department of The Daily Record, e-mail Patrick Brannan, Managing Editor of The Daily Record at [email protected].