E157: The Banner Expands to Montgomery County with Zuri Berry - 
Best Moves of 2025

E157: The Banner Expands to Montgomery County with Zuri Berry - Best Moves of 2025

Author: MDDC Press Association March 11, 2026 Duration: 42:10

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Zuri Berry, Montgomery County editor at The Baltimore Banner, about the organization’s expansion into one of Maryland’s largest and most underserved news markets. Zuri explains how the new Montgomery County bureau came together—from market research and community listening sessions to building a nine-person newsroom from scratch.

They discuss the challenges of launching coverage in a county of more than one million people, the importance of balancing breaking news with enterprise reporting, and how community engagement helps shape what the newsroom covers. Zuri also shares early lessons from the bureau’s first months, how the Banner approaches audience growth and social media, and what the expansion could mean for future regional coverage across the state.


Ever wonder how a major local story really came together, or what a reporter was thinking when they asked that tough question? Five Dubs Podcast pulls back the curtain on the newsrooms across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Hosts Rebecca Snyder and Kevin Berrier, through the MDDC Press Association, sit down with the journalists themselves to explore the how and why behind the headlines you read each day. This isn't just a recap of the news; it's a conversation about the process, the challenges, and the sometimes surprising human stories that unfold during the pursuit of a story. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to cover communities in this dynamic region, from the initial tip to the published piece. The Five Dubs Podcast offers a unique, insider perspective on the function and future of local media, making the landscape of regional journalism more accessible and understandable. It’s for anyone curious about the mechanics of news gathering and the people dedicated to telling our local stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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