Lauren Hines Acosta wins Rookie of the Year

A person with short brown hair and glasses smiles, wearing a dark shirt and a red blazer, set against a blurred background.

Lauren Hines Acosta of The Bay Journal wins the MDDC Rookie of the Year 2024 prize for new journalists for her “compelling writing about large and complex topics” teamed with excellent photo and video skills.

This award honors a new journalist with less than 18 months’ experience in the field. The submission package included three to five clips of the reporter’s work and a letter of recommendation from their editor.

The judges were impressed with the six nominees, noting that some of them have been working for just a short period of time – in some cases months – and producing exceptional work. Each of the nominees is an obvious asset to their publication and poised for additional growth. Journalists today need to be able to tell their stories in a meaningful way, and all of the nominees demonstrated strong skills that contribute to their publications’ success.

The judges remarked that Hines Acosta covers a huge geographical coverage area – the Chesapeake Bay watershed – and often is working independently, developing and engaging sources. Her ledes capture readers’ attention and her explainer video about mussels was clear and engaging.

In her nomination letter, editor Lara Lutz writes that Lauren “has strong writing skills and a sharp mind, quickly homing in on the tough questions and complications of a given context. She has visual, audio and production skills, too, producing photographs and videos to support her work and that of others. She has been successful at seizing short, contained topics for news and features and writing them quickly. But she has also been successful at writing longer in-depth pieces and recognizing when a story crosses over into a topic that needs more time and care. She is naturally curious and rather relentless in pursuit of quality information. She takes the time to plan interviews thoughtfully and to have networking conversations that help build trust.”

Hines Acosta is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia, earning degrees in journalism and science. She has had previous roles as a podcast producer and science writer.

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Zoe Bell, Washington Jewish Week

Zoe Bell joined Washington Jewish Week in June 2024 and has “an innate sense of how to successfully seek out substantive story ideas and well-honed writing skills,” her Editor, Aaron Troodler, writes. The judges felt that Bell, who covers features and profiles, has an obvious care for the people she covers. One of the judges remarked, “Zoe’s strong writing creates vivid pictures – her writing is enjoyable.” Troodler notes “Zoe is a true journalist who effortlessly connects with sources.”

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Bridget Byrne, The Capital Gazette

The judges found Bridget Byrne’s writing was “carefully researched with deeply connected stories.” They were impressed that when information was missing, she put in the time and effort to get the answer, even timing how longs trains stopped at a station for a story. Kamau High, editor, notes her “determination and willingness to do what it takes to land a story” that has marked her tenure covering accountability in government. High continues, “Bridget has contributed to some of the Capital Gazette’s biggest stories…and written quirky one-offs that capture the spirit of the region.”

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Kiersten Hacker, Howard County Times

Kiersten Hacker parlayed her 2024 summer internship into a full-time role at Howard County Times. Her editor, Molly Fellin Spence, writes that “Kierstein is versatile and agile, able to toggle between stories as disparate as dissecting complicated issues in the school system’s proposed budget and understanding zoning laws governing whether a family can keep a beloved raced track built on farmland for their young son.” The judges agreed, noting that Hacker confidently covers a wide range of stories and is able to fully cover hot issues in the county, such as juvenile suspects of a shooting.

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Ceoli Jacoby, The Frederick News Post

Ceoli Jacoby is a dedicated new journalist, initially focusing on local and state government and adding court coverage for The Frederick News-Post. Her editor, Andy Schotz, says “Ceoli has developed good sources, is versatile and is a strong, clear writer. We often turn to her to take on many of our most important stories.” The judges noted that Jacoby breaks down complex stories into easily digestible chunks. “She is able to stay on top of a big story, communicating it clearly with lots of color for her readers.”

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Gabrielle Lewis, The Frederick News Post

Gabrielle Lewis has become an “expert on data centers and power lines, through her comprehensive coverage of multiple major projects” in Frederick, editor Andy Schotz writes. Although hired to cover health, the environment and Fort Detrick, Lewis added nonprofits to her beat and became well versed in the economics and environmental effects of data centers. The judges saw she was “obviously well-versed in her beat” and noted that her stories have “lots of context and background” that help the reader understand the whole issue.

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Mid-Atlantic Media is Seeking a Group Editor - Jewish Media Division

By Kristin Wagonblott • July 3, 2026

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

By Kristin Wagonblott • July 3, 2026

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.

Governor Moore’s Veto of SB 459 Misses the Reality of Modern Local Media

May 27, 2026

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.

James Constantine is Salesperson of the Year for 2025

May 8, 2026

Nick Stonesifer wins Rookie of the Year

May 8, 2026

A-Mark Foundation for A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism Award 2025

May 8, 2026

Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien named Designer of the Year 2025

May 8, 2026

The Star Democrat has the Best Move of 2025

May 8, 2026

The Baltimore Beat and Baltimore Fishbowl tie for website of general excellence award

May 8, 2026

MDDC PRESS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF CONTEST WITH VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS

May 8, 2026

Reporters, editors and other media professionals gather for conference and awards program remotely and in person (5/8/26 - Annapolis, MD) – Members and supporters of the Maryland | Delaware | DC Press Association came together this week to highlight news with integrity and excellence in journalism by recognizing the winners of the Contest, which celebrates print and online work completed in 2025 . The contest, governed by the Association’s Editorial and Advertising Committees, admitted over 1,594 entries among 86 categories . There are six divisions in the contest, which group member publications into categories governed by total audience numbers, combining print and digital readership. One Best in Show award is given in each category across all divisions. These entries were judged by news media professionals at the Florida State Press Association. There are several top awards given across all divisions to the publication. These include the James S. Keat Freedom of Information Award for demonstrating use of public information act requests in its reporting, Courage in Journalism, honors acts of courage in journalism and strength in adversity while uncovering truth, and Best Moves, which highlights the most important thing MDDC member organizations did in 2025. The contest also honors top personnel in design and sales and honors new journalists. Members of the MDDC Press Foundation board of directors and journalism academics judged the top awards and the video audience voted on the Best Moves. New for 2025 was the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism, which provides first, second and third place cash prizes for work in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. The capstone award, one per division, is News Organization of the Year. The Banner won the James S. Keat Freedom of Information Award for a wide-ranging portfolio of substantive projects that used public records in reporting. From investigations into child deaths from abuse and neglect to reporting on public officials’ use of Google Chat that auto deletes messages after 24 hours, Banner reporters were persistent in their pursuit of public records. Their groundbreaking investigation into the public transit times endured by Baltimore City’s schoolchildren was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The award is named for Jim Keat, a retired editor and foreign correspondent for the Baltimore Sun, who was a long-time advocate for public information access. Keat is also a member of the MDDC Newspaper Hall of Fame. Read more . The Star Democrat was awarded the Best Move of 2025 for its new daily emailed newsletter which combined strong data analytics and local content to create a useful product with clear revenue gains. The winner was determined by audience vote. Read more . The Association recognized a new journalist with the Rookie of the Year award. This award honors a new journalist with less than 18 months' experience in the field. Six nominations were received from five member publications. Nick Stonesifer of Spotlight Delaware is the 2025 Rookie of the Year for his “well researched, well written and important work” teamed with a drive and determination to use public records in his reporting. Read more . Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien won Designer of the Year , which honors a body of work over the contest cycle. O’Brien’s portfolio of work was noteworthy for her “impressive submission of imaginative and creative design with sophisticated use of white space that allows for typographic hierarchy. The variety of typefaces, font sizes, typeface weights, and colors contribute to the hierarchy while the page designs feel unified.” Read more . The Baltimore Beat (baltimorebeat.com) and Baltimore Fishbowl (baltimorefishbowl.com) share Best of Show for MDDC’s Website of General Excellence category, which honors a news organization’s ability to connect with readers through social media and engagement, and local news coverage. The judges noted “Baltimore Beat stands out with bold, hyper-local links that are interesting and useful.” “Baltimore Fishbowl’s presentation offers a wonderful array of information with attractive, user-friendly design.” The award was judged by journalism instructors at Loyola University of Maryland. Read more. The News Organization of the Year awards represent the best publication in each division. These awards are chosen based on the points accumulated for first and second prizes in each category. The Baltimore Banner won the award in Division A; The Frederick News-Post was named News Organization of the Year for Division B; and Catholic Review won in Division C. Baltimore Beat and Spotlight Delaware shared the award in Division D; Coastal Point was named News Organization of the Year for Division E; and Morning Star Publications won in Division F. For a full listing of winners and their award-winning work, view our presentation episodes at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRxzvJD4IXLBvNkmcUfFUogmBCw35XKUa&si=EAww-G0KFMx6V67w ### ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Maryland | Delaware | DC Press Association is a vibrant, influential association representing over 100 member news media organizations in our region. We believe a strong news media is central to a strong and open society. We help our members succeed through advocacy efforts, revenue generation, professional development and industry recognition. Learn more at www.mddcpress.com .

Lauren Hines Acosta wins Rookie of the Year

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