In this episode, Rebecca talks with Audrey Cooper, executive editor of The Baltimore Banner, about her path to leading one of the country’s most closely watched local newsrooms. Audrey reflects on her career across print and public radio, her mission to strengthen local journalism, and what drew her to the Banner at a pivotal moment of growth.

They discuss the importance of local news in fostering civic engagement, how storytelling and community relevance drive audience connection, and what it takes to build trust with readers. Audrey also shares her vision for the Banner’s future, from expanding coverage and experimenting with new formats to building a sustainable business model that supports impactful journalism at scale.