EVANSTON, IL. — Hugo Balta is the recipient of the 2024 Cecilia Vaisman Award from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. Balta’s work was highlighted during an award ceremony hosted by Medill at on Tuesday, October 15.
“I accept this honor for work that is truly “in progress” as I strive to be equal to the prestigious recognition,” said Balta. “I also accept this honor on behalf of the many collaborators who I am grateful to work with in elevating the voice and visibility of marginalized communities.”
Balta is the publisher of Illinois Latino News (ILLN), an affiliate of the Latino News Network. He is the host of Chicago Politics on CAN-TV, a solutions journalism program centered on responses to social challenges and highlighting opportunities facing the marginalized communities of Cook County. Balta also is the director of Solutions Journalism and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with The Fulcrum, a national publication.
The Vaisman Award honors an individual working in audio or video journalism who works every day to shed light on the various issues affecting Hispanic and Latine communities inside and outside the United States. It includes a $5,000 cash prize. The award is named for Medill faculty member Cecilia Vaisman who died in 2015.
“I am grateful to be this year’s recipient of the 2024 Cecilia Vaisman Award for Multimedia Reporters and humbled to join esteemed colleagues who, like Cecilia, are committed to bringing to light the many issues that affect Latine and Hispanic communities,” said Balta. “As the proud son of Peruvian immigrants, my journalistic endeavors have been inspired and influenced by my parents’ journey in the United States. In telling the stories of the large, diverse group that has made significant contributions to the country’s culture, economy, and democracy, I honor mi Papá y Mamá.”
Balta’s career experience spans multiple markets and platforms. He was the first News Director at WTTW, where he launched and hosted Latino Voices. He has also held leadership positions in several storied news outlets, including The Chicago Reporter, WBBM Newsradio, ESPN, MSNBC, NBC Universal, and Telemundo.
“Hugo Balta’s reporting helps people better understand different challenges the Hispanic and Latine communities face in the Chicagoland area,” said Medill Dean Charles Whitaker. “His tireless work in solutions journalism is vital to Cook County. For these reasons and more, Medill is honored to present him with the 2024 Cecilia Vaisman Award.”
Balta is the only person to have been elected twice as President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in the organization’s more than 40-year history and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2016. He is an adjunct professor teaching journalism courses at Columbia College Chicago and an accredited solutions journalism trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network.
“This award provides me with the means and motivation to continue collaborating in producing fair and accurate coverage of communities that are too often absent in newsrooms and news reporting, creating one-dimensional, stereotypical, negative narratives of a dynamic group,” said Balta.