What we do

Champion, protect & spotlight local journalism

We exist to evangelize for local news media, advocate for press freedom, and represent the perspective of publishers to policymakers and decision-makers.

  • Legislative advocacy in Maryland, Delaware and the District 
  • Strong voice for journalism and news media to legislators, business leaders and in the community.
  • Reporter resources, such as the Journalists Guide to the Courts, Sunshine Week, National Newspaper Week and other resources. 
  • Legal hotline through Ballard Spahr providing pro-bono legal advice. 
  • Press Passes. Press passes issued to individual members and the staff of member organizations as requested.
  • A-Mark Investigative Journalism prize. Cash prizes for Maryland, Delaware and the District for the best investigative journalism, awarded at the Annual Conference (submission through the Annual Contest). 
  • Convener for related news media organizations locally and nationally. 
  • Actionable information to steer your business through white label readership surveys, informative webinars and ad hoc consulting.
  • Regional public notice aggregation. MDDC pulls together all members’ public notice in one online platform. 
  • Active social media presence advocating for and celebrating local media. 
  • Weekly Planner connects members to one another by sharing critical information and celebrating your wins.
  • Five Dubs podcast shines a weekly spotlight on topics of interest as well as member spotlights. 

drive revenue & sustainability for members

We help ensure the financial health of our members by bringing advertising revenue, educating businesses about the value of the news media audience, and providing operational support and industry intelligence to strengthen sustainability. Education for members that focuses on how to sell in new ways is of intangible but critical benefit.

  • Fractional sales efforts. MDDC Ad Services can supplement your sales force on a temporary or long-term basis. From prospecting to direct sales, we can help you reach your revenue goals.
  • In-market sales and training events. We can jump-start your sales efforts and generate new business and revenue (only one slot per quarter available). We will work with you to map out logistics, conduct customized sales training and implement the program with a sales blitz that includes cold call appointment setting, needs discovery and in-market four-legged sales calls.
  • AI Games Sales Training. Help your sales staff use AI to make their sales pitches more effective. 
  • Preferential media buying from MDDC Ad Services. MDDC puts money directly in the pockets of members through ad purchasing for our advertising clients. 
  • Readership Survey program provides a white label readership survey that focuses on editorial topics and reader buying habits (alternating years). 

elevate professional excellence

We provide professional development, recognition, and benchmarking, offering spaces for constant learning and improvement so our members can continue to deliver trusted, high-quality journalism. Contest and recognition.

  • Earn your Press Pass. Online, self-paced curriculum to help train your staff. Editorial and sales modules are available.
  • Professional development training through webinars and other resources. 
  • Contest honoring work in calendar year. Put your best work forward in the MDDC contest. 

foster community & collaboration

We nurture a supportive, connected network where members share insights, coordinate efforts, and partner with related organizations to strengthen the industry collectively. We want to focus on broader, meaningful collaboration on content, syndication and sharing.

  • Member directory connects our members by sharing publication and contact details so you can reach out to one another. 
  • Annual Conference & Awards Program is usually the first Friday in May. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet in person and learn from one another during our popular conference. 
  • Content Sharing Platform powered by PluckyWire. Members can share and pick up content.
  • News Media Connect monthly Zoom call the 1st Tuesday of each month (12:30 – 1:30 pm ET) to create a space for members to connect and discuss different topics.
  • Independent journalist membership. MDDC connects independent and freelance journalists to our organizational members. 
  • Affiliate membership. MDDC connects vendors and supporters to our organizational members.
  • Affinity programs such as Walterry libel insurance, Stevenson University Online tuition discounts, and more. 

invest in the future of journalism

We are committed to building the next generation of journalists through internship and foundation initiatives, ensuring the long-term vitality of local news media.

  • Internship program places promising young journalists in host newsrooms each summer for paid internships. 
  • Potter Digital Ambassador Program. Five Digital Ambassadors will be placed in newsrooms across the region for one week in January 2027 to help solve a technological program.
  • MDDC Press Foundation acts as a fiscal sponsor for Baltimore Brew.