Hugo Balta is the Publisher of the Illinois Latino News (ILNN). ILNN is one of six independent digital news outlets in the Northeast and the Midwest managed by the Latino News Network (LNN). LNN provides greater visibility to Hispanic and Latino communities and amplifies the work of others in doing the same. The network mentors young journalists and affords them real work experiences. LNN applies the principles of solutions journalism to its investigative reporting. Balta is an accredited solutions journalism trainer.

A news veteran of more than 30 years, Balta has led newsrooms in multiple markets and platforms. He has held positions as the Executive Editor of The Chicago Reporter, News Director of Chicago’s PBS Station, WTTW, and Vice President of News of Telemundo New York.

Balta is the only person to serve twice as President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) in its nearly 40 years. He was inducted into the organization’s Hall Of Fame in 2016.

Mr. Balta is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago, teaching journalism courses focused on all aspects of newsroom collaboration in local news coverage.

Originally from Northern New Jersey, Balta lives in Chicago with his wife Adriana and children Isabella and Esteban.