Jenna Bloom is entering her senior year at the University of Maryland College Park. She has worked at the Diamondback student newspaper in a variety of roles. One of her references writes, “Jenna is smart, focused, ambitious, engaged, and curious. She functions well under deadline pressures and always responds to critiques and direction well.” She interned at MoCo360, under the supervision of Anne Tallent. Jenna was supported this summer by her coach, Paul Milton and her mentor, Laura Walter.
Shifra Dayak is a senior at the University of Maryland who will interned with The Frederick News-Post under the supervision of Andy Schotz. Shifra previously interned at Stars and Stripes and was most recently the assistant news editor at The Diamondback, UMD’s student newspaper. One of her references remarked that “Shifra has the true drive of a reporter. She knows where to find stories and how to track down sources. She writes quickly but accurately. She’s always on top of her work, despite having to balance a full class load.” Rick Hutzell was her writing coach, and Denise Rolark Barnes was her mentor.
Bryce Jenkins is a rising senior at Hofstra University, and is majoring in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing. He interned with The News Journal in Wilmington under the supervision of Mike Feeley. Bryce’s focus is photography and he has taken shots for his school newspaper and its website. Tom Klinkowstein, one of Bryce’s professors, writes that “Bryce is an exceptional learner and doer – always constructively curious and hungry for a challenge.” He was supported by Larry Nagengast as both writing coach and mentor.
James Paul is a rising sophomore at University of Pittsburgh, double majoring in Public/Professional Writing and Politics/Philosophy. He is a writer for the student newspaper, The Pitt News and interned under the supervision of Joe Deinlein at the Herald-Mail in Hagerstown. Brittany Hailer, one of James’ journalism professors, says “The kid is driven. Takes feedback well. And isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions.” All qualities that served him well during his internship. In addition to his newsroom hosts, James was supported by Ginger Thompson as mentor and Paul Milton as writing coach.
Cal Ransom is a rising junior at Oberlin College, where they will graduate with a degree in Sociology with a Journalism concentration and have steadily worked at the student newspaper, the Oberlin College Review. They interned at WHYY Radio through the Delaware Community Foundation program. Cal wrote in their application “I left Delaware for college before I was able to truly engage in the community as I would want to today. Using my place as an audio journalist, I want to bring myself into the community and help tell the stories that matter to Delawareans now.” Through this internship, with the support of their host newsroom and mentor / coach Larry Nagengast, Cal has reported on important issues that matter to the community.
Justin Robertson is a rising senior at Clemson University, balancing writing for ClemsonWire, part of USA Today’s Sports Media Group, and freelancing for the Seneca Journal with his Sports Communication major and Psychology minor. He interned with The Daily Times in Salisbury under the supervision of Mike Feeley. One of his professors, Wanda Johnson Stokes, says that Justin “creates and delivers top-notch content and always produces on time. As sports editor for The Tiger newspaper, he leads staff reporters with distinction and honor as students rely on his guidance as a team leader and player.” Justin rounded out his internship team with mentoring from Jack Hogan and coaching on his writing from Paul Milton.
Victoria Stavish is a rising senior at the University of Maryland, College Park where she majors in Journalism with a minor in Information Science. Some of her previous internships combined data analysis with reporting and she was the first and only data reporter at The Diamondback, the student-run newspaper of the University. Victoria’s desire to be a journalist stems from her youth in a rural Ohio town where there was no local news source. She wrote in her application, “Data and visual journalism is important to me because it helps us understand where the local aspect falls in the big picture.” Victoria got the opportunity to emphasize local news by interning with the Baltimore Sun under the supervision of Sam Davis. She was supported in her internship by her mentor, Ann LoLordo and her writing coach, Rick Hutzell.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2026 WYPR Announces The Engagement, a New Weekday Program Hosted by D. Watkins A new WYPR program will bring news, conversation and community together beginning this October BALTIMORE — Baltimore Public Media, home of WYPR and WTMD, today announced The Engagement, a new locally produced, news-driven public affairs program hosted by New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist D. Watkins. The program premieres Monday, October 19, and will air Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. on WYPR 88.1 FM. From the news of the day to politics, community, arts and culture, The Engagement will explore the stories and conversations shaping Baltimore, Maryland and the broader region. Built around the idea that engagement means listening as much as talking, the program will bring different voices and perspectives into the conversation, ask tough questions and challenge assumptions, with an eye toward what comes next. Conversations will extend beyond the broadcast, creating opportunities for ongoing engagement with the people and communities WYPR serves.
This summer, six journalism students have been working in newsrooms across Maryland and Delaware. The Reese Cleghorn Internship program hires outstanding student journalists to intern in MDDC member newsrooms each summer. Again this year, MDDC is administering Delaware Community Foundation’s Internship program. Summer internships were made possible through funding from the Delaplaine Foundation, the Goldseker Foundation and The Nutting Family Foundation, Baltimore Fishbowl, Baltimore Brew, and many individual donors to MDDC. These interns were selected from a pool of highly qualified applicants. The intern selection committee, comprised of Andrea McDaniels of The Baltimore Banner, Ann LoLordo, Diana Sugg freelance journalist, Molly Fellin Spence of The Baltimore Sun, Kamau High,, Sam Davis of the Baltimore Sun and Tom Ferraro reviewed more than thirty initial applications, which included a personal essay, published clips and educational and professional references. The committee narrowed the field and conducted a panel interview with each candidate. Each intern was immersed in their host newsroom and treated as a professional working journalist. Students in the program are expected to generate 35-40 published clips and real-world experience during their 8-week paid internship. As part of the program, interns participate in a one-day briefing on how to get the most out of the internship. The interns are (in alphabetical order): Marijke Friedman , University of Maryland (funded by Nutting Family Foundation); Andrew Hall , Morgan State University (funded by the Goldseker); Evelyn Lucado , Washington College (funded by Suzy Dunn); Oliver Mack , University of Maryland, College Park (funded by Delaplaine); Nicole Pilsbury , University of Pittsburgh (funded by MDDC Press Foundation); Theodore Rose , University of Maryland, College Park (funded by MDDC’s fiscal sponsorship of the Baltimore Brew).
7/3/26 Group Editor – Jewish Media Division Mid-Atlantic Media Mid-Atlantic Media (MAM), a growing publisher of community and niche media brands, is seeking an experienced Group Editor to lead its portfolio of award-winning Jewish publications. This leadership role is ideal for an accomplished editor who thrives in a fast-paced newsroom, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and enjoys mentoring emerging journalists. The successful candidate will serve as both an editorial leader and a public ambassador for our publications, building relationships with Jewish communal leaders and readers throughout the region. This is a high-energy position where a digital-first daily content strategy is combined with the demands of producing high-quality weekly magazines. The candidate will be able to commute to a Columbia, Maryland office. Qualifications Minimum of five years of experience in Jewish community journalism Strong editing skills with the ability to work quickly and accurately in a deadline-driven environment Proven leadership experience managing and motivating editorial teams Familiarity with WordPress, social media platforms, digital photography, and video Ability to balance high-level editorial planning with hands-on reporting, editing, and community engagement Deep knowledge of and connections within the Jewish community required Responsibilities Editor Guide reporters in developing enterprise stories, breaking news coverage, and local exclusives Plan editorial coverage and manage story assignments Monitor community developments, social media, email, and other sources for story ideas and emerging trends Communicate regularly with sources, community leaders, readers, and public officials Oversight of editing and factchecking to ensure adherence to AP Style and company editorial standards Maintain the highest standards of journalistic integrity and quality Team Leader Lead, mentor, and develop a team of reporters and editors Set clear editorial expectations and foster a culture of accountability and excellence Assist with reporting and breaking news coverage when needed Drive strong digital engagement and audience growth across websites, newsletters, and social media platforms Editorial Strategist Represent the publications throughout the communities Help expand audience reach and strengthen brand visibility Collaborate with company leadership on long-term editorial initiatives and growth strategies Work closely with the publisher to identify opportunities for innovation and expansion Compensation Competitive salary and benefits package. To Apply Please submit a cover letter, resume, and relevant work samples to cburke@midatlanticmedia.com . No phone calls, please.
Chesapeake Bay Journal Job Announcement Position: Environmental reporter Open date: July 1, 2026 Review start date: July 13, 2026. Open until filled. Description: This is a full-time position with the Chesapeake Bay Journal focused on environmental reporting in the Chesapeake Bay region, mostly in Maryland. The ideal candidate will have 5 to 7 years of journalism experience, including coverage of environmental issues. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to grasp complex issues, understand nuances and represent all sides of issues. If selected, you will be part of a small, highly collaborative team that delves into the challenges of providing clean water, clean air and healthy outdoor spaces for humans and wildlife alike. Get ready for deep dives and a variety of field experiences. You might find yourself in the city, on a boat, on a farm, on trails, in laboratories or in suburban neighborhoods. You will interact with a wide range of people, from environmental advocates, businesses and farmers to community members, scientists and government officials. The topics we tackle include but are not limited to water pollution, climate change, environmental justice, the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, land use, sustainable agriculture, air pollution, forest health, plant life, wildlife and fisheries. This position will involve written journalism, as well as video and audio packages to engage our growing audience. Location: All Bay Journal staff members work remotely in priority areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. This position will be in the Baltimore/Annapolis/Frederick area of Maryland. About the Chesapeake Bay Journal: The Bay Journal is a long-standing and well-respected newsroom, now in its 36th year. It is the only media outlet dedicated to environmental issues in the Chesapeake watershed and is one of the oldest nonprofit news organizations in the nation. As well as publishing to our website, we produce a printed, 36-page monthly newspaper and a weekly email newsletter, along with photography, films, videos and podcasts. We reach an average of approximately 200,000 people each month. The Bay Journal has received many awards from regional press associations and is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News. Minimum Qualifications: Experience in journalism resulting in published work Experience writing about environmental issues Excellent skills in writing, reporting and research, with attention to detail, accuracy and context Commitment to reporting conscientiously on complicated topics Respect for a diversity of sources, thorough fact checking and careful wording Communication and organizational skills that support productivity in an independent work environment Ability to collaborate and meet deadlines Willingness to travel as needed for reporting assignments and staff meetings Willingness to report stories in varied settings, such as towns and cities, farms, forests, industrial sites, schools, research labs, and on boats Other Desired Qualifications: Five to seven years of experience as a journalist, preferably with environmental topics Knowledge of environmental issues in the Chesapeake Bay region Skills in producing video, audio packages, podcasts, photos or social media for a newsroom Salary & Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried position. The salary is commensurate with experience and negotiable based on the total compensation package. Standard benefits include employer-subsidized health insurance and retirement savings plans. The position has four weeks of paid annual leave in addition to federal holidays. How to Apply: Send a cover letter, your resume, three writing samples (as attachments or via links), up to three multimedia links if applicable, and two references to admin@bayjournal.com . Please use the word “Application” in the subject line. Review of applications begins July 13. Open until filled.
By Rebecca Snyder Executive Director, MDDC Press Association Governor Wes Moore’s veto of SB 459 is a disappointing and misguided decision that overlooks both the capabilities of Maryland’s local news organizations and the urgent need to strengthen the state’s local information infrastructure. The legislation was straightforward and practical: require Maryland state agencies to prioritize local news organizations (print, digital, radio and broadcast) for a portion of their advertising spending. It was revenue-neutral. It did not create a new tax, a new program, or a new bureaucracy. It simply ensured that more Maryland advertising dollars stayed in Maryland communities. Lawmakers across the political spectrum understood that value. SB 459 passed unanimously in the Senate and with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House. Legislators from both parties recognized a simple truth: local news matters. In vetoing the bill, Governor Moore expressed concerns about costs and suggested that Maryland’s local news organizations could not effectively deliver advertising to the audiences state agencies need to reach. That rationale fundamentally misunderstands today’s local media landscape. Maryland’s local news organizations include digital-first outlets, public media organizations, commercial broadcasters, radio stations, community publications, and multimedia news platforms serving audiences across every region of the state. Many operate full service advertising agencies that can place any type of advertising needed, including national platforms. 0020Collectively, they provide sophisticated advertising and communications services that rival — and often outperform — national platforms when it comes to reaching Maryland audiences. Our members regularly execute highly targeted advertising campaigns using digital audience segmentation, programmatic advertising, email marketing, video, social amplification, sponsorships, direct mail, broadcast, radio, and event-based outreach. They work with businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, universities, tourism agencies, and government entities every day to connect messages with precisely the audiences they intend to reach. In fact, local media outlets often have a far deeper understanding of Maryland communities than national advertising platforms ever could. That matters because this debate is about more than advertising dollars. It is about whether Maryland will invest in the civic infrastructure that keeps communities informed and connected. Local journalism remains one of the few institutions dedicated to covering school boards, county governments, public safety, elections, housing, economic development, and the daily issues that shape residents’ lives. When local news organizations disappear, communities lose accountability, civic participation declines, and misinformation fills the vacuum. SB 459 recognized that state government advertising can serve two purposes at once: effectively communicate with Maryland residents and strengthen the trusted local institutions that help those residents stay informed. The bill also acknowledged another important reality: local media outlets are often best positioned to reach underserved communities. Community publications, local radio stations, ethnic media outlets, and regional digital publishers have built trust with audiences that are frequently overlooked by large national advertising buys. Supporting local media is not only smart economic policy; it is smart communications policy. And economically, the argument is equally compelling. Every year, Maryland spends taxpayer dollars on advertising campaigns intended to reach Maryland residents. SB 459 simply sought to ensure that more of those dollars circulate through Maryland businesses, support Maryland jobs, and strengthen Maryland-based organizations rather than flowing almost entirely to out-of-state tech platforms and national advertising networks. That is not protectionism. It is common sense. Other jurisdictions across the country have already adopted similar approaches because they recognize that government advertising dollars can help sustain local media ecosystems without expanding government spending. Maryland had the opportunity to join them with a balanced, bipartisan solution. Instead, the Governor chose to veto it. We respect Governor Moore’s commitment to innovation and economic growth. But on this issue, the administration appears to have underestimated both the sophistication and the reach of Maryland’s local media organizations. This conversation should not end with a veto. Marylanders benefit when they have access to strong local journalism. Communities benefit when trusted local outlets remain financially sustainable. And taxpayers benefit when state communications are delivered through organizations that understand Maryland audiences and communities. Support for local news should not be partisan. The General Assembly understood that. Maryland residents understand that. We hope the administration will reconsider its view of what local media can accomplish and recognize that investing in Maryland journalism is also an investment in Maryland communities.
May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
