How to join
Stand for a strong news media
Become a member of MDDC. We help our members succeed through advocacy, networking and information sharing, revenue generation and professional development. Download our
Member Benefits for more details. Not sure if you’re eligible to become a member of MDDC? Contact
Rebecca Snyder.
Active membership
Active membership is open to news organizations based in or principally serving Maryland, Delaware, or the District of Columbia that are primarily engaged in producing and distributing original news and information concerning matters of public interest through ethical professional journalism.
Eligible organizations may include newspapers, magazines, digital news organizations, broadcast television stations, radio stations, podcast organizations, nonprofit news organizations, and other news media whose principal mission is the regular dissemination of news and public affairs with at least 50 percent of all editorial (non-ad) content reported and original. Click for the full criteria.
All members are approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may require an applicant to provide information or documentation reasonably necessary to determine compliance with these requirements, including documentation concerning editorial independence, governance, ownership, or funding sources. Determinations of eligibility shall be made by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
Individual Journalist membership
Individual Journalist / Freelance members are individuals who use ethical standards of professional journalism and who work in the region. Individual Journalist / Freelance members have:
- Visibility to news media organizations through our online Freelance Directory
- Ability to receive press credentials through MDDC
- Invitations to member only events and networking
- Access to pro-bono legal hotline
- Freelance members may serve on committees
Apply for freelance membership. All members in this category must be recommended by a MDDC organizational member in good standing.
Affiliate membership
Affiliate members can be individuals or corporations who support the news media. Affiliate members have:
- Visibility to news media organizations
- Free listing in member directory
- Ability to share news and information and publicize events in the Weekly Planner (distributed to 1,800+ subscribers).
- Opportunity to sponsor one Weekly Planner (listed in subject line and promotional ad) at no additional cost.
- Access to industry professionals at member-only events and updates.
Apply for affiliate membership. All members are approved by the Board of Directors.
