Montgomery County, Maryland, November 24, 2025
Montgomery County, Maryland, has launched The Banner Montgomery, a new nonprofit initiative aimed at providing quality journalism. As local media outlets decline, this platform seeks to fill the gap with comprehensive coverage in politics, business, education, arts, and local events. Led by experienced Executive Editor Zuri Berry, The Banner Montgomery is committed to community engagement and addressing local concerns through active dialogue with residents and officials. This initiative aims to inspire civic involvement and ensure that residents have access to trustworthy journalism.
New Local News Initiative Launches in Montgomery County
Montgomery County residents can now access quality journalism with The Banner Montgomery.
Montgomery County, Maryland, is welcoming a promising new addition to its media landscape with the launch of The Banner Montgomery. As local media outlets increasingly bow out, this initiative aims to step into the gap with robust local news coverage that resonates with the community’s diverse interests. Featuring comprehensive reporting on politics, business, education, arts, and events, The Banner Montgomery is set to become an essential resource for residents.
The newly established outlet is a part of The Banner, a nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing local journalism across Maryland. This expansion is particularly significant in a time when many local newspapers and media companies are struggling to maintain their presence. As community voices become ever more critical, The Banner Montgomery is prepared to meet the growing demand for trustworthy and informative journalism.
Leadership and Team
Leading The Banner Montgomery is Zuri Berry, an Executive Editor with over 20 years of experience in the journalism sector. Berry’s professional journey has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge acquired through various positions, including roles with well-respected media outlets in Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, North Carolina. With an emphasis on innovative reporting, Berry will spearhead a talented team composed of experts across multiple disciplines. The team includes news editor Lauren Markoe, and reporters specializing in local government, education, business development, news, arts, culture, and sports.
Community Engagement Efforts
Prior to its launch, The Banner Montgomery actively sought to engage the Montgomery County community by hosting listening sessions with residents, business owners, and local officials. This outreach aimed to identify pressing local issues and ensure that the outlet’s coverage remains in tune with community interests. By establishing these connections, The Banner Montgomery aims to flourish as the go-to news source, offering timely, relevant information on both challenges and positive developments within the county.
Filling the Local News Void
The Banner Montgomery aims to serve as a vital alternative to the dwindling local media presence, a phenomenon that has left many communities nationwide craving informative journalism. This nonprofit initiative’s commitment extends beyond merely reporting events; it seeks to inspire community involvement and foster civic engagement. With a focus on quality journalism, The Banner Montgomery aims to encourage residents to stay informed and engaged in their local environment.
Strong Background and Dedication
As a member of the nonprofit, multi-platform organization known as The Banner, The Banner Montgomery comes with a track record of impactful journalism, including a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 2025. This award recognized the organization’s dedication to tackling significant societal issues, such as Baltimore’s overdose crisis. Such accolades underscore The Banner’s mission of filling the void created by reduced local media coverage and promoting independent journalism that informs and strengthens additional communities like Montgomery County.
Conclusion
The launch of The Banner Montgomery signals a positive advancement for local journalism in Montgomery County. By focusing on comprehensive news coverage and community engagement, this initiative is poised to empower residents with the information they need to navigate their environment effectively. Supporting local businesses and news organizations not only enriches the community but also fosters a resilient economy. Stay connected to what’s happening in Montgomery County, and consider engaging with local initiatives that prioritize informed citizenship.
What is The Banner Montgomery?
The Banner Montgomery is a new initiative by The Banner, a nonprofit, multi-platform news organization, to provide comprehensive local news coverage in Montgomery County, Maryland. It aims to address the growing demand for quality journalism in the region by covering topics such as politics, business, education, arts, culture, and local events.
Who is leading The Banner Montgomery?
Zuri Berry serves as the Executive Editor of The Banner Montgomery. With over two decades of experience in journalism, Berry has held positions such as radio editor in Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, North Carolina, and deputy managing editor for news and multimedia at the Boston Herald. He is originally from San Francisco and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Chico, and an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte.
How did The Banner Montgomery engage with the community before launching?
Before launching, The Banner Montgomery hosted listening sessions and engaged in conversations with local residents, business owners, elected officials, and activists. These efforts aimed to understand the issues that matter most to the community and to ensure that the news coverage aligns with local interests and needs.
What is the mission of The Banner Montgomery?
The mission of The Banner Montgomery is to become the go-to news source for Montgomery County residents, providing up-to-date, reliable reporting on both challenges and positive developments within the county. It aims to inform, strengthen, and inspire the community through trusted, independent journalism.
What is The Banner’s background and previous achievements?
The Banner is a nonprofit, multi-platform news organization that has been expanding its reach across Maryland. It has been recognized for its impactful journalism, including a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 2025 for a series on Baltimore’s overdose crisis. The expansion into Montgomery County reflects The Banner’s commitment to filling the void left by the reduction of local media coverage and to providing residents with trusted, independent journalism.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Local News Coverage | The Banner Montgomery aims to provide in-depth reporting on topics such as politics, business, education, arts, culture, and local events to serve the diverse interests of the community. |
| Experienced Leadership | Executive Editor Zuri Berry brings over two decades of journalism experience, having held positions in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, North Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts. |
| Community Engagement | Prior to launching, The Banner Montgomery engaged with the community through listening sessions and conversations with local residents, business owners, elected officials, and activists to understand local issues and needs. |
| Mission | The mission is to become the go-to news source for Montgomery County residents, providing up-to-date, reliable reporting on both challenges and positive developments within the county. |
| Background | The Banner is a nonprofit, multi-platform news organization recognized for its impactful journalism, including a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 2025 for a series on Baltimore’s overdose crisis. |
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