Baltimore Banner Launches Locally Owned Nonprofit Digital News Publication

The Baltimore Banner, a multiplatform news organization created by the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, announced the launch of its digital news publication on Tuesday. The publication will bring local news to the community as it works to develop a sustainable business model for local news.

Late last year, Maryland businessman Stewart Bainum, Jr. and his family announced the creation of the Venetoulis Institute of Local Journalism, with the goal of launching The Baltimore Banner in the summer of 2022. Today, The Banner has 42 reporters on staff who provide solutions-based reporting spanning state and local government, arts and culture, criminal justice and education. The Banner plans to have about 70 reporters and editors by the end of the year, making it the largest newsroom in Maryland.

In addition to recruiting veteran journalists such as Justin Fenton, Liz Bowie and Tim Prudente, managing editor Andrea K. McDaniels and associate editor Richard Martin, The Banner has established a “Creatives in Residence” program, which aims to amplify the work of artists and writers. from the Baltimore area and will feature works by D. Watkins, Kondwani Fidel, Kerry Graham and Mikea Hugley, among others.

The Banner’s launch comes nearly a month after announcing a co-operating agreement with Your Public Radio (WYPR) 88.1FM, Baltimore’s NPR news station that will allow nonprofits to working collaboratively to deliver quality journalism across the state.