Baltimore, January 16, 2026
Bob Cohn, CEO of The Baltimore Banner, has announced his departure to establish a consulting firm effective February 2026. Under his leadership, the publication saw significant growth, including a 40% revenue increase and 57% rise in paid subscribers. Cohn’s tenure also included winning a Pulitzer Prize for impactful reporting on the city’s drug overdose crisis and the expansion of coverage into Montgomery County. With the appointment of Audrey Cooper as the new editor-in-chief, The Banner is set for a new chapter.
Baltimore, Maryland – The Baltimore Banner’s Executive Departure
Bob Cohn, CEO of The Baltimore Banner, has announced his departure to establish his own consulting firm, effective February 2026.
Bob Cohn, who has been leading The Baltimore Banner since February 2024, is set to leave his position to start his own consulting firm. His departure is scheduled for February 2026. Under his leadership, the publication experienced significant growth, including a 40% increase in revenue in 2024 and a 57% rise in subscribers, reaching 67,000 paid subscribers by the summer of 2025. Additionally, The Banner expanded its coverage into Montgomery County, Maryland, and won a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Baltimore’s drug overdose crisis in May 2025. Cohn’s tenure also saw the appointment of Audrey Cooper as the new editor-in-chief in September 2025.
Introduction
The recent announcement of Bob Cohn‘s departure from The Baltimore Banner marks a significant transition for the publication and highlights the dynamic landscape of news media in Baltimore. Since its inception, The Banner has aimed to provide quality local journalism while fostering community engagement. The announcement is both a reflection of individual ambition and a reminder of the potential volatility within the media industry. Local entrepreneurs and businesses amid similar transitions often emerge with innovative solutions, improving the Baltimore City economy.
With Cohn’s impending exit scheduled for February 2026, there lies an opportunity for smaller outlets and new entrepreneurs to carve their own paths in this evolving environment. Some speculate that reduced regulation and support for local journalism can strengthen community ties and encourage the flourishing of Maryland entrepreneurs. The growing subscriber base for The Banner underscores public appetite for quality news, suggesting that innovative marketing strategies and targeted coverage could further bolster the local economy.
Achievements Under Leadership
Bob Cohn’s time at the helm of The Baltimore Banner saw remarkable achievements. During his tenure, the publication experienced a 40% increase in revenue in 2024 and a 57% rise in subscribers, ultimately reaching 67,000 paid subscribers by the summer of 2025. This expansion speaks volumes about the journalistic quality and relevance the publication has provided to its audience.
Expanding Horizons
The Baltimore Banner not only strengthened its subscriber base but also expanded its coverage into Montgomery County, Maryland. This move reflects the publication’s commitment to bringing local news to a broader audience, effectively engaging different communities and reinforcing its position as a vital news source in the region.
Acknowledgment for Excellence
Recognition followed the publication’s commitment to impactful storytelling when The Baltimore Banner won a Pulitzer Prize for its investigative reporting on Baltimore’s drug overdose crisis in May 2025. Such accolades serve as a testament to the quality of journalism being produced and underscore the critical role of local media in addressing pressing societal issues.
Leadership Transition
Following Cohn’s planned exit, The Baltimore Banner is set to continue under the leadership of newly appointed editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper. Appointed in September 2025, Cooper brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at New York Public Radio and The San Francisco Chronicle. Her leadership is anticipated to usher in new ideas and innovations, further enhancing the publication’s standing in Baltimore’s news landscape.
Conclusion
Bob Cohn’s announcement regarding his departure from The Baltimore Banner reflects both personal ambition and the shifting dynamics of the media industry. Under his guidance, the publication not only achieved impressive financial growth but also expanded its local relevance through thoughtful reporting. As the landscape evolves, it remains crucial for Baltimore residents and Maryland entrepreneurs to continue supporting local endeavors that contribute to a vibrant, informed community. The future of Baltimore’s economy relies on innovation, resilience, and the courage to embrace change.
FAQ
Who is Bob Cohn?
Bob Cohn is an American journalist and media executive who became CEO of The Baltimore Banner in February 2024. He previously served as president of The Economist and The Atlantic, was a top editor at The Atlantic and Wired, and worked as a Washington correspondent at Newsweek.
What is The Baltimore Banner?
The Baltimore Banner is a news website in Baltimore founded by the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, which is a nonprofit set up by Stewart W. Bainum Jr. It launched on June 14, 2022.
What achievements did The Baltimore Banner accomplish under Bob Cohn’s leadership?
Under Bob Cohn’s leadership, The Baltimore Banner experienced significant growth, including a 40% increase in revenue in 2024 and a 57% rise in subscribers, reaching 67,000 paid subscribers by the summer of 2025. Additionally, The Banner expanded its coverage into Montgomery County, Maryland, and won a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Baltimore’s drug overdose crisis in May 2025.
Who is Audrey Cooper?
Audrey Cooper is the new editor-in-chief of The Baltimore Banner, appointed in September 2025. She previously served as the editor-in-chief and senior vice president of news at New York Public Radio and led the newsroom at The San Francisco Chronicle as executive editor for nearly six years.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CEO Departure | Bob Cohn announced his departure to start a consulting firm, effective February 2026. |
| Leadership Achievements | Under Cohn’s leadership, The Baltimore Banner saw a 40% revenue increase in 2024 and a 57% rise in subscribers, reaching 67,000 paid subscribers by summer 2025. |
| Expansion and Recognition | The Banner expanded into Montgomery County, Maryland, and won a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Baltimore’s drug overdose crisis in May 2025. |
| New Editor-in-Chief | Audrey Cooper was appointed as the new editor-in-chief in September 2025. |
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