Baltimore’s The Banner, a nonprofit news organization founded in 2022, has been awarded the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting, recognizing its coverage of drug overdoses in Maryland. The award underscores a rapid ascent for the publication, which was established as a digital alternative to traditional local news outlets and has quickly gained traction with a growing subscriber base and a novel approach to community engagement.
Launched by the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, The Banner aimed to fill a void in the Baltimore media landscape following years of consolidation and cutbacks at legacy newspapers. By the end of 2024, the publication had amassed 55,000 subscribers, contributing 45% of its $13 million in revenue, with the remainder coming from advertising (35%) and philanthropic contributions (22%).
The Pulitzer Prize recognizes reporting that illuminates critical issues within a specific geographic area. The Banner’s winning coverage focused on the escalating overdose crisis in Baltimore and surrounding communities, detailing the impact on individuals, families, and local resources. The Venetoulis Institute was founded by Stewart Bainum, Jr., who previously sought to acquire The Baltimore Sun from Tribune Publishing before ultimately launching The Banner as an independent venture.
Beyond its investigative work, The Banner has distinguished itself by integrating digital content creators into its newsroom. Rondez Green, a digital storyteller recruited in October 2024, exemplifies this approach. Green’s background is rooted in online communities, having built a following on platforms like YouTube and Twitch through gaming and commentary on social and political issues. He previously hosted the eSports Report for Major League Gaming.
Green’s role at The Banner extends beyond traditional reporting, encompassing community engagement and coverage of underreported areas, including the largest sewage spill in US history. He emphasizes the importance of contextualizing local stories within broader national and international frameworks, highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events. His experience in performance and community theatre informs his storytelling, making complex issues more accessible to audiences.
According to Green, the newsroom has been supportive of his approach, prioritizing depth and fact-finding over censorship. The audience engagement team at The Banner works to strengthen and expand his stories, adding further information and context. This model, which blends personality-driven content with rigorous journalistic standards, is being observed by newsrooms globally as a potential path toward sustainability and audience connection.
Bob Cohn, President and CEO of the Venetoulis Institute, outlined accelerated expansion plans in September, including the recruitment of additional local reporters and editors. Audrey Cooper serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Banner, overseeing the publication’s editorial direction. The organization’s structure as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit underscores its commitment to public service and independent journalism.