Speaking to NAHJ Chicago Chapter members

Hugo Balta is a Multimedia News executive, Communications Specialist, Educator, Diversity & Inclusion expert, Management Trainer, Talent Coach, philanthropist and two-time president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).

Hugo is currently the Executive Editor of The Chicago Reporter, guiding reporting that is inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities, including writing about race, poverty, and social justice.

Balta is the Owner of the Latino News Network overseeing the only English language news and information outlet made up of independent local websites dedicated to Hispanics – Latinos in the Northeast and Midwest.

He is the first News Director of WTTW, The PBS station in Chicago. During his tenure he led the transformation of the News department by launching Latino Voices and Black Voices, In Your Neighborhood series, and Community Conversations celebrated by the media industry and public as examples of newsroom culture change reflective and inclusive of Chicago’s richly diverse communities.

He is a former Senior Producer at MSNBC, driving the editorial and production vision and execution of news and political live programming.

Balta worked as Talent Development Coach with the NWT Group, working with clients on evaluating all areas of television/video storytelling and performance; as well as developing a strategic plan in reaching career goals.

Control Room, Fusion HQ

Hugo is also the former Senior Director of Multicultural Initiatives at the Disney ABC Television Group (DATG), who led a start-up unit focused on initiatives to raise the quality, profile and delivery of diverse news gathering and storytelling.

Part of the One Nacion TV Special Team

One of his responsibilities was the creation of video and multimedia content targeting the US Hispanic audience across all platforms

Moderator, Excellence In Journalism Conference

Hugo is a diversity and inclusion media consultant, a sought after guest speaker and writer.

NAHJ 2014 National Conference

Speaking to students in Houston, TX

He served two terms as president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) – 2012-2014, 2018-2020.

Hugo is a best selling author sharing his experience in articles (many published by renowned organizations) and book: Leadership Habits

Presidential Award of Excellence, NAHJ

Balta is an award winning journalism veteran of 30 years who’s experience includes ABC CBS, Telemundo and NBC before joining ESPN.

Emmy, Best Local Newscast – NYC

He lives in Chicago with his wife Adriana and two children, Isabella and Esteban.