Baltimore Banner working to become Maryland’s primary news source
The Baltimore Banner, a nonprofit news organization, closed out 2024 with “remarkable achievements, positioning itself as a model for sustainable local journalism in 2025. With 55,000 paid subscribers, a rapidly growing newsroom and diversified revenue streams,” reports Editor & Publisher (E&P). The Banner proves that “innovation and community focus can drive success” states E&P. According to the E&P post:
Strong subscriber growth sets the stage for 2025
Closing out 2024 with 55,000 paid subscribers and a 50% year-over-year increase, The Baltimore Banner demonstrated its ability to engage and retain a loyal audience. CEO Bob Cohn attributed this success to high-quality journalism and strategic marketing. “We finished the year at about 55,000 paid subscribers, which was a hair more than 50% year-over-year growth,” Cohn explained. “It just comes on the back of trying to do the best journalism we can do and filling a gap in Baltimore and all of Maryland.”
The subscription growth reflects a broader hunger for trustworthy local news, a demand the Banner continues to meet by addressing the state’s many news deserts.
Newsroom expansion fuels deeper coverage
With 13 newsroom hires since September, bringing the total to 85 journalists, The Baltimore Banner has established itself as the largest news organization in Maryland. This growth has broadened the organization’s coverage, particularly in underserved areas. “Baltimore is the soul of our journalism, but we are committed to serving all of Maryland,” Cohn said. “Our expansion reflects our mission to fill news deserts statewide.”
“By focusing on Baltimore and extending into surrounding counties such as Anne Arundel and Howard, the Banner is working to become Maryland’s primary news source,” states E&P.
