The Venetoulis Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and sustaining high-quality local journalism. We were founded in response to the nationwide erosion of local news, with many media organizations shutting down, downsizing to survive, or being purchased by hedge funds with a single-minded focus on financial returns.
In June 2022, we launched The Baltimore Banner to bring that mission to life. As a multi-platform news operation, The Banner covers a broad range of topics, from local and state government to business, sports, education, culture, and the arts across the region.
On April 14, 2026, we announced an agreement with Block Communications to acquire The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of the nation’s oldest regional newspapers, effective May 4, 2026. This move reinforces our commitment to create a vibrant, trustworthy, and sustainable model for local journalism.
Our mission: To be the most essential and compelling news resource for the people of Maryland. We inform, strengthen, and inspire the communities we serve by providing trusted journalism that tells people’s stories, holds leaders accountable, and delivers a wide range of local news that readers and partners are eager to support.
We are rapidly building out our Baltimore operations and are looking for top-notch local talent with skills in News Media, Digital Product, Marketing, Analytics, and Technology. We are a dynamic, diverse, collaborative, and curious team that places journalistic integrity above all.
The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building a sustainable future for high-quality, independent local news.
With founding support from Stewart Bainum Jr., we are building a model focused on long-term sustainability, community connection, and unbiased, independent information.
Your tax-deductible contributions directly support our newsrooms, funding the reporters and editors who produce essential local coverage. Your support helps ensure communities have access to the local news they need.
Have questions or want to connect about different ways to give?
Contact Sarah Walton, Chief Philanthropy Officer
sarah.walton@thebanner.com
