Israel Balderas

Assistant Professor of Journalism

Department: Journalism

Schar Hall- Communications Bld, Office 210D

2850 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Email: ibalderas@elon.edu

Phone number: (336) 278-5671

Professional Expertise

First Amendment Attorney, Media Ethics, Broadcast Journalism, Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations

Brief Biography

J. Israel Balderas is an assistant professor of journalism at Elon University, a First Amendment attorney, and an Emmy Award-winning journalist. His teaching and scholarship draw on decades of experience explaining consequential public issues, from the newsroom and the courtroom to the college classroom.

At Elon, Balderas teaches Media Law and Ethics, Politics and Mass Media, and Digital News Production, among other courses. He embraces the university’s commitment to engaged, student-centered learning, building courses around discussion, real-world dilemmas, and opportunities to put ideas into practice. Students examine competing perspectives, challenge assumptions, and learn to support their conclusions with evidence while remaining open to reconsideration. For Balderas, the “Elon way” of teaching means knowing students as individuals, connecting their learning to the world beyond campus, and sustaining mentoring relationships beyond graduation. His experiential teaching has taken students to presidential primaries in South Carolina and New Hampshire and to Peru.

News organizations regularly turn to Balderas for analysis of First Amendment controversies, freedom of speech and the press, and the Federal Communications Commission’s authority over broadcasting. He contributes political analysis to WGHP-TV FOX 8 and has provided commentary for outlets including NBC News, The Washington Post, The News & Observer, and Inside Higher Ed. Through his Substack publication, Beyond the Talking Points, and accompanying video commentary on YouTube, he examines consequential and contested questions involving law, politics, media, and democracy, making complex issues accessible to audiences beyond the university.

His scholarship explores freedom of expression, institutional power, and media law education. Recent work examines public employee speech after Kennedy v. Bremerton, civil discourse in the classroom, and the Supreme Court’s approach to regulating online expression. His research also informs collaborative filings before the FCC on broadcast regulation and press freedom.

Before entering academia, Balderas reported and anchored television news in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida and produced for Special Report with Brit Hume and FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace. He earned his law degree at The Catholic University of America while continuing his professional work and served as a media adviser in the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. His legal and professional service includes representing migrant children, serving as national treasurer-secretary of the Society of Professional Journalists, and chairing its Legal Defense Fund.

Balderas produced the Emmy® Award-winning news documentary Four Families in Mafraq, which brought students to Jordan to document the lives of Syrian refugee families. Across his work, he seeks to cultivate the habits that responsible journalism and democratic citizenship require: curiosity, careful listening, independent judgment, and the courage to ask difficult questions.

Balderas serves on the editorial board of Communication Law and Policy and as Professional Freedom and Responsibility chair of AEJMC’s Law and Policy Division.

News & Notes

Education

Juris Doctor

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, Washington, D.C. (2006)

Concentration: Specialized study in the Institute for Communications Law Studies
Staff Associate and Comments Author, CommLaw Conspectus: Journal of Communications Law and Technology Policy (2004 – 2005) (now, Catholic University Journal of Law and Technology)

Bachelor of Science, Mass Media Communication and Bachelor of Arts, Theology

Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Okla. (1994)

General Education Studies

University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas (1989)

Employment History

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

Elon University, Elon, N.C. (August 2021 – Present)

Assistant Professor of Journalism (tenure track), School of Communications

Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Assistant Professor of Journalism, School of Communication and Media (January 2017 – June 2021)

Courses taught: Foundations of Journalism, News Reporting, Broadcast Journalism, News Editing, Investigative Reporting (Solutions Journalism), Media Law, Public Speaking and Civil Discourse and Civil Disobedience
Faculty advisor to student-led campus newsroom, The Beacon Today

Adjunct Professor of Journalism, School of Communication and Media (January 2015 – December 2016)

Course taught: Media Law, Writing for Broadcast and Journalism for the Web

The University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. (June – August 2020)

Lecturer, College of Communication and Information, School of Journalism and Media

Media Law: taught a 500-level online synchronous summer course for journalism majors

TV JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE

WPEC-TV (CBS) and WTVX-TV (CW), West Palm Beach, Fla.

Anchor/Reporter, September 2013 – November 2016

Weekday investigative reporter and weekend anchor, whose responsibilities included editorial decision-making and managing reporters, editors and assignment desk. Used social media to interact with viewers, promote newscasts and report breaking or developing news. Won a regional Emmy Award and anchored an award-winning newscast selected by the Florida AP for best weather coverage.

WCCB-TV (FOX), Charlotte, N.C.

Anchor/Reporter, September 2010 – May 2013

Primetime news anchor and enterprise reporter for the market’s top-rated 10:00 p.m. newscast. Responsibilities included newsgathering, writing and editing daily news pieces. Led station coverage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Selected “Anchor of the Year” by the Radio TV Digital News Association of the Carolinas. Portrayed a reporter in Showtime’s “Homeland” pilot episode.

KFOX-TV (FOX), El Paso, Texas

Anchor/Reporter, September 2007 – September 2009

News anchor for three-hour morning newscast. Covered government waste, drug cartels, border issues and the immigration debate as an investigative reporter. Traveled to San Diego in 2007 and filed live reports on California’s wildfires. Covered Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Washington, D.C. in 2008.

FOX News Channel and FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace, Washington, D.C.

Producer, March 2003 – April 2004/September 2005 – April 2007

Pitched, researched and produced segments for “FOX News Sunday with Christ Wallace.” Duties included fact-checking topics and guests. Line produced during live broadcast of Sunday show. Produced daily news reports for “Special Report with Brit Hume.” Responsibilities included newsgathering, topical research, scriptwriting and video editing reporter packages on deadlines.

Politics.com, Voter.com, PBS, Reuters America, Associated Press TV (Latin America), Washington, D.C.

Freelance Reporter/Producer, September 2000 – May 2003

Wrote for various political news web startups. Line and segment produced for various PBS public affairs programs. Covered the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon and filed subsequent reports from Florida on travel impact and trauma hospital preparation for potential biological attacks. Produced bilingual news reports from Latin America for video wire service.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Society of Professional Journalists, Legal Defense Fund

Committee Chair (2021 – 2023)

Directed the organization’s various court filings related to protecting the First Amendment. Managed the Society’s financial interest in providing journalists with legal or direct financial assistance entangled in litigation.

We The Action, USA

Pro Bono Attorney (2020 – 2021)

Provided legal assistance to nonprofits applying for financial aid through the Paycheck Protection Program funded by the Small Business Administration under the CARES Act.

The Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Los Angeles, CA

Pro Bono Attorney (2018 – 2020)

Represented migrant children separated from their parents at the border.
Investigated conditions at the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children as part of an ongoing lawsuit involving the Flores Settlement Agreement.
Wrote litigation reports on federal violations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Based on our findings, all unaccompanied children were relocated to more humane locations in August 2019.

Private Clients, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Of Counsel, May 2017 – May 2020

Corporate clients employed my writing, editing and legal research skills to help sharpen their litigation practice materials. Drafted pleadings, motions and appellate briefs focused on civil procedure, maritime law, declaratory judgments, and contract law.

Legal Graphicswork, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Consultant, 2017 – 2021

Produced documentaries depicting lives of accident victims for use in legal proceedings.

Cole, Raywid & Braverman, LLP, Washington, D.C.

Summer Associate, May 2005 – August 2005

Responsibilities included legal research and writing for summary judgment motions regarding breach of contract and corporate existence question, a Patriot Act memorandum on regulating money transfers via mobile devices, and FCC wireless rules for radio apps.

Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Washington, D.C.

Media Advisor to the Office of Bureau Chief, May 2004 – May 2005

Coordinated and developed strategies with legal staff to convey policy to the general public. Wrote press releases and explained communications law and policy to media. Designed multimedia web campaign for 800 MHz public safety initiative.

Legal Internship, September 2003 – December 2003

Researched and drafted policy memoranda on statutory interpretation for E-911 Report and Order. Designed media strategy for conveying enactment of local number portability policy

The Hon. Senior Judge Royce C. Lamberth, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.

Student Law Clerk, September 2004 – May 2005

Researched and drafted judicial opinions and orders on product liability cases and California state law abstention questions.

Courses Taught

Since arriving at Elon in 2021, I have taught the following classes:

GBL 1070/2070: The Presidential Campaign Starts Here: The First Primaries (Study USA)
GBL 1310/2310: Peru: The Living Heritage of the Andes
COR 1100: The Global Experience (Core)
JOU 3150: Digital News Production
COM 3340: Politics and Mass Media
COM 4000: Media Law and Ethics

Leadership Positions

Editorial Board Member, Communication Law and Policy (2026–present)

Serve on the editorial board of the peer-reviewed scholarly journal devoted to legal and policy issues affecting communication and media.

Professional Freedom and Responsibility Chair, AEJMC Law and Policy Division (2026–present)
Serve as Professional Freedom and Responsibility chair for the Law and Policy Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Member, Board of Directors, Solutions Journalism (July 2023 - 2026)

Treasurer-Secretary (elected), Society of Professional Journalists (Oct. 2022 – Oct. 2023)

Board of Directors, Society of Professional Journalists Foundation (formerly Sigma Delta Chi Foundation) (Nov. 2021 – Oct. 2023)

Board of Directors, Society of Professional Journalists (Sep. 2021 – Oct. 2023)

Chair, Legal Defense Fund Committee, Society of Professional Journalists (Sep. 2021 – Oct. 2023

Research

Peer-Reviewed/Refereed Research Paper Presentations

Balderas, J.I, and Auditori, J., (2024). Student Engagement out on the Presidential Campaign Trail: Diving Into the Deep End of Civic Education Through Productive Discomfort in Presidential Primary Coverage. Presented at Northeastern Political Science Association 56th Annual Conference, Boston, MA. Poster presentation at AEJMC (August 2024)

Auditori, J., and Balderas, J.I. (2024). ‘First in the Nation’: An Analysis of New Hampshire’s Role in the Presidential Primary. Presented at Northeastern Political Science Association 56th Annual Conference, Boston, MA

Balderas, J.I., (2024). Beyond Prayer: How Kennedy v. Bremerton Reshapes First Amendment Protections for Public Employee Speech. Presented at AEJMC 107th Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA (August). Published in First Amendment Law Review.

Balderas, J.I., & Terry, C., (2023). Strict Scrutiny Applies: Except in Texas, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota and…. Presented at AEJMC 106th Annual Conference, Washington, D.C. (August).

Balderas, J.I. & Hartle, A., (2022). “Going beyond ‘reasonable accommodations’: a case study into how implementing a ‘duty to investigate’ mindset can help college students with physical disabilities.” Presented at BEA On-Location 2022 as research-in-progress, Colorado State University (October). The author’s case study set out to investigate how a student with quadriplegia could enroll in a multimedia news production course and succeed.

Federal Communications Commission Filing

In the Matter of 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, MB Docket No. 22-459, Comments Of The Archival Producers Alliance, The Future Film Coalition, The Media And Democracy Project, The Multicultural Media, Telecom, And Internet Council, Public Knowledge, Patricia Aufderheide, J. Israel Balderas, Victor Pickard, And Christopher Terry, Jan. 20, 2026.

In the Matter of National Television Multiple Ownership Rule Proceeding, MB Docket No. 17-318, Comments by Christopher Terry, Caitlin R. Carlson and J. Israel Balderas, July 31, 2025.

In the Matter of News Distortion Complaint Involving CBS Broadcasting Inc., Licensee of WCBS, New York, NY., MB Docket No. 25-73, Reply Comments by Christopher Terry & Israel Balderas, March 20, 2025.

In the Matter of News Distortion Complaint Involving CBS Broadcasting Inc., Licensee of WCBS, New York, NY., MB Docket No. 25-73, Comments by Christopher Terry and Israel Balderas, March 2, 2025.

In the Matter of 2022 Quadrennial Review of Media Ownership Rules, MB Docket No. 22-459, Reply Comments by Christopher Terry, Caitlin R. Carlson and Israel Balderas, March 20, 2023.

In the Matter of 2022 Quadrennial Review of Media Ownership Rules, MB Docket No. 22-459, Comments by Christopher Terry, Caitlin R. Carlson and J. Israel Balderas, March 1, 2023.

Court Filings

Brief of Amici Curiae First Amendment Professors in Support of Appellants and Reversal, Simon v. Governor of the State of Alabama, No. 25-13005 (11th Cir. Dec. 19, 2025) (USCA11 Case

Current Projects

First Amendment Scholarship: Expression and Institutional Power

My research examines how courts and government agencies shape freedom of expression. With University of Minnesota Professor C

hristopher Terry, I am co-author of The Institutional Toggle, accepted for publication in the Rutgers Computer & Technology Law Journal (December 2026), examining the Supreme Court’s approach to online expression in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton. My continuing research explores the relationship among free speech, religious liberty, and government authority.

Beyond the Talking Points: Public Commentary on Law, Media, and Democracy

Through Beyond the Talking Points, my Substack publication and accompanying video commentary, I examine consequential and controversial issues involving the First Amendment, journalism, politics, and democratic accountability. Drawing on my experience as a journalist and attorney, I explain legal developments, question prevailing narratives, and distinguish what the law permits from what ethical responsibility demands. This work extends my teaching beyond the classroom and invites readers and viewers into informed discussion.

Teaching Judgment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

I am developing and refining assignments that ask students to examine how artificial intelligence affects journalism, ethical reasoning, and independent thought. Grounded in Elon’s commitment to engaged learning, these activities combine real-world dilemmas, student-led discussion, and critical reflection. Students evaluate AI-generated work, consider its limitations, and explain their own choices—including ethically reasoned decisions to decline its use. The central question is what students must learn to judge for themselves as technology assumes more of the work of producing information.

Politics and Mass Media: Learning Through the 2026 Elections

In Politics and Mass Media, students investigate how journalism, political messaging, and public opinion interact during the 2026 election cycle. Through Senate-race tracking, analysis of campaign coverage, and discussion of competing interpretations of current events, they connect political communication theory to unfolding events. The course emphasizes evaluating evidence, recognizing framing, and explaining how media choices shape public understanding.

Grants Awarded

Department of Education FIPSE Special Projects Grant Application ($4 million, submitted December 3, 2025). Proposal received a score of 93/100, with near-perfect marks in significance of the work. Not selected for funding in this cycle; Department of Education set the funding cutoff at 100/100. Grant officers indicated interest in a secondary program for high-scoring candidates. Lead PI intends to pursue additional large institutional grants using same proposal.

CATL Teaching Conference Grant, October 2024 ($1,000). Supporting “Student Engagement…” paper presentation at Northeastern Pol. Science Assoc. 56th Annual Conference, Boston, MA

CATL Teaching & Learning Grant, 2024 – 2025 ($4,500). Project Title: “Developing Critical Media Literacy Skills through AI-Assisted Case Studies in Media Law and Ethics,” supporting the development and implementation of AI-assisted case studies to enhance students’ ethical reasoning, and decision-making abilities. Principal Investigators: J.I. Balderas

The Turnage Family Faculty Innovation and Creativity Fund Grant for the Study of Political Communication, April 2024 ($5,000). Project Title: “The N.C. Coalición por la Precisión: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation Targeting North Carolina’s Latino Communities in the 2024 Election.” Lead principal investigator, with Matthew Blomberg and Jill Auditori.

Information Technology AI Grant, April 2024 ($240). Project Title: “Integrating the AI-powered platform Poe in Media Law & Ethics”

Fund for Excellence In The Arts and Science, April 2024 ($2,000). Project Title: “Alumni Voices: Conversations with Political Insiders on the 2024 Election.” The grant helped fund a speaker’s series led by Elon alumni working as political insiders and timed for the Fall 2024 Elections. These conversations aimed at deepening students’ understanding of contemporary political issues, fostering interdisciplinary thinking, and inspiring the meaningful application of knowledge during an important election year.

CATL Teaching Conference Grant, October 2022 ($1,000). Supporting research-in-progress presentation at BEA on Location at Colorado State University titled, “Going beyond ‘reasonable accommodations’: a case study into how implementing a ‘duty to investigate’ mindset helps students with physical disabilities.”

LEDE Fellowship, Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) (2019 – 2020). SJN’s inaugural program supporting journalism entrepreneurs to create and lead projects that spread solutions journalism in their communities. The year-long project resulted in several student articles published in the Solutions Story Tracker database.

Publications

Law Review

J. Israel Balderas and Christopher Terry, The Institutional Toggle: How Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton Reveals the Supreme Court’s Strategic Abandonment of Its Own First Amendment Architecture. [vol.] Rutgers Computer & Tech. L.J. [page] (forthcoming Dec. 2026).

J. Israel Balderas, Rethinking Media Law Education: Fostering Civil Discourse and Engaged Learning in an Era of Polarization. Comm. Law & Pol., Special Issue (In Press).

Vanessa Bravo & J. Israel Balderas, Reporting in Exile and Within Diasporic Communities (chapter). In J. Reilly, A. Kothari and J. Ramaprasad (Eds.), Routledge Companion to Global Journalism and Media at the Borders (In production, expected November 6, 2026).

J. Israel Balderas, Beyond Prayer: How Kennedy v. Bremerton Reshapes First Amendment Protections for Public Employee Speech, 23 First Amend. L. Rev. 203 (2024).

J. Israel Balderas, Speaking with One Broadband Voice: The Case for a Unified Circuit Appeals Process After Brand X Internet Services v. FCC, 13 Comm Law Conspectus 377 (2005).

Articles

"Unmasking government control goes beyond Supreme Court social media case," Restoration News Media, Oct. 21, 2023 (Elon University Writers Syndicate)

“Holding the powerful accountable is the legacy of Watergate,” On Watergate break-in’s 50th Anniversary, Elon Journalism Faculty Assess Scandal’s Impact on Modern Media (June 2022)

“The NYTimes Editorial Board Needs Diversity in More Ways Than One,” opinion column, LatinoRebels.com, Jan. 21, 2020 (Latino Rebels is owned by Futuro Media Group)

Creative Works - News Documentary

Producer, “Four Families in Mafraq” (2018- 2020)

An experiential creative project involving students majoring in journalism, film and intracultural studies. The production team traveled to Northern Jordan in June 2017 to shoot a film consisting of documenting the survival of four Syrian families forced to escape a civil war. These strangers in a foreign land shared how they tried to make sense of suffering and loss, hoping to restore their lives outside the Zaatari Camp in Mafraq, Jordan

Presentations

Refereed Research Panel Sessions

Panelist, “Compelling Faith: The Growing Tensions between the Free Speech, Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment,” AEJMC 109th Annual Conference, Religion and Media Interest Group and Law and Policy Division, New Orleans, LA (August 2026).

Moderator, “Disrespected and Derailed: Women of Color Journalists Covering the Trump Administration,” AEJMC 109th Annual Conference, Commission on the Status of Women and Broadcast and Mobile Journalism Division, New Orleans, LA (August 2026).

Poster Presenter, “The Presidential Campaign Starts Here: The First Primaries.” Great Ideas for Teaching Presentations, “Representation & Voice: The Future of Democracy in the Classroom.” AEJMC 107th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division, Philadelphia, PA (August 2024).

Panelist, “Fire in a Political Theater: The First Amendment Legacy of Donald J. Trump.” AEJMC 107th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division, Philadelphia, PA (August 2024).

Panelist, “Don’t Say Gay: How States are Silencing Expression About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.” AEJMC 106th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division and LGBTQ Interest Group, Washington, D.C. (August 2023).

Panelist, “What Does It Mean to be A Journalist? Epistemology in the Practice of Digital Journalism.” AEJMC 106th Annual Conference, Broadcast and Mobile Journalism and Newspaper and Online News Division, Washington, D.C. (August 2023).

Discussant, “First Amendment Disequilibrium” by Christina Koningisor, Univ. of Utah, & Lyrissa Lidsky, Univ. of Florida, 2023 Media Law & Policy Scholars Conference (Jan. 2023).

Presenter, Creative Comm Law Instruction: Celebrating the Winning Ideas of the Annual Law & Policy Teaching Ideas Competition, “Carpool Copyright Kar-A-Oke” (Third Place). AEJMC 105th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division, Detroit, MI (August 2022)

Presenter, “‘Deplorable’s’ Speech: The Radicals, Scoundrels and Rogues Behind Free Speech.” AEJMC 105th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division, Detroit, MI (August 2022)

Presenter, “Designing and Teaching the Combined Media Law and Ethics Course.” AEJMC 105th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division, Detroit, MI (August 2022).

Panelist, Thunderdome Panel: “What’s Next for Internet Law?” AEJMC Southeast Colloquium, Law & Policy Division, University of Memphis (March 2022).

Moderator, “Section 230: The Twenty-Six Words That Turned Online Speech Into Techlash.” AEJMC Southeast Colloquium, Elon University (virtual) (March 2021).

Presentations

Speaker, Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression in the Academy, virtual session, co-sponsored by the AEJMC Law & Policy Division and the American Journalism Historians Association. Panelists included Professor Amber Roessner, American Journalism Editor, and Zach Greenberg, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (July 13, 2026).

Panelist, “First Amendment Rights and Academic Freedom for Faculty,” Elon AAUP Chapter, La Rose Digital Theater, KOBC 101, Elon University (Feb. 13, 2026). Panelists included Enrique Armijo (Elon Law School) and Eric Fink (Elon Law School). Organized by Kaye Usry, AAUP Chapter President and Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy

Presenter, “On the Job, Online: Employee Speech, Official Pages, and the First Amendment,” Fourth Annual Mecklenburg County Social Media Summit, (Dec. 5, 2025)

Guest Lecturer, “What Freedom of Expression Reveals About a Democratic Society,” HST1390: Fascism and Propaganda (Dr. Andrea Sinn), Schar 207 (Nov. 5, 2025)

Presenter, “Free Speech or Free Thought? AI, Regulation & the Future of the First Amendment,” Elon University AI Research and Networking Series, Provost’s Office (Oct. 2025)

Panelist, “First Amendment Chilled By Threat: From Mourning Violence to Seizing the Moment,” Elon Law Review’s 2025 Symposium, “Breaking News: First Amendment on Trial,” Elon School of Law, Greensboro, NC (Sept. 19, 2025).

Faculty Facilitator, “Post-Inauguration: Now What?” Roundtable Discussion, Lakeside 212 (February 12, 2025).

Moderator/Panelist, “Navigating the Noise: A Guide to Executive Orders, Journalism, and Social Media in 2025,” Stay Active Citizens Week, Lakeside (Feb. 10, 2025).

Panelist, “Publishing for the Greater Good, Tips for Exercising Academic Freedom,” Latino/Latina Communications Studies Division, National Communications Association Conference 110th Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA (November 2024).

Co-Presenter, Critical Issues, Critical Votes: Navigating the Impact of the 2024 Election on ALANAM Communities, The Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, Elon University (October 2024).

Presenter, “Rethinking Media Law Education: Fostering Civil Discourse and Engaged Learning in an Era of Polarization,” Faculty Scholarship Lunch & Learn, Elon University (October 2024)

Co-Presenter, Productive Discomfort: Fostering Growth in Civic Education, 20th Annual Teaching & Learning Conference at Elon University (August 2024)

Moderator/Presenter, “Know Your First Amendment rights covering Elections 2024” with Professor Nadine Strossen. SPJ Region 1 Conference (April 19, 2024).

Presenter, “AI, misinformation and other threats in the 2024 elections.” The League of Women Voters of Charlotte Mecklenburg (March 28, 2024). (Research in progress)

Presenter, “Legal rights and resources for journalists covering the 2024 election.” The North Carolina News and Information Summit (March 8, 2024).

Moderator, “Know Your First Amendment rights covering Elections 2024” with former ACLU President and FIRE Fellow, Professor Nadine Strossen. SPJ New England (March 4, 2024).

Presenter, “Our Voice, Our Power: Fortaleciendo Nuestro Voto and Preparing You to Spot lies and manipulation in the 2024 Election.” La Conferencia 2024, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Latinx Center (March 2, 2024). (Research in progress)

Presenter, “Ground-breaking social media legislation: Legal ramifications, student-impact, and what educators need to know.” The Social Institute (Feb. 2024).

Moderator/Presenter, “Prioritizing Diversity of Viewpoint on a College Campus.” Contextualizing The Conflict: Conversations About The Middle East, Elon Univ. (Oct. 2023).

Presenter, “The Problems We Face, and How to Lead Towards A Solution.” The 13th Annual Intersect Conference, Elon University (September 2023).

Discussant, Teaching Ideas Competition Presentations. AEJMC 106th Annual Conference, Law & Policy Division, Washington, D.C. (August 2023).

Presenter, “The Power & Obligation of Ethical Journalism To Inform In A Democratic Society.” Meridian International Center (U.S. State Department), hosted at Elon University (June 2023).

Presenter, “DEI in North Carolina: Tracking The Dismantling of Academic Freedom.” Advancing Equity Summer Institute, Elon University (June 2023).

Panelist, “Hot Topics in Media Law.” Society of Professional Journalists Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., (October 2022).

Presenter, “To Empower & Motivate Latinidad Towards Civic Engagement: Ready to Lead?” Perspectivas Annual Series: From Surviving To Thriving, Elon University (September 2022).

Lecturer, “Solutions Journalism in Health Reporting.” Howard University’s Multicultural Media Academy, sponsored by the Dow Jones News Fund Health & Wellness Reporting Project (June 2022).

Panelist, “‘Why Ethics Matters’ in today’s news environment.” Society of Professional Journalists, Ethics Committee presentation for Ethics Week (April 2022).

Guest Lecturer, “Building Racial Equity Through Solutions Journalism.” Abilene Christian University: Developed course “Colloquy in Race & Media” using Solutions Journalism course work to teach reporting on racial equity in news coverage (February 2022).

Moderator and Presenter, “Fake News, Real Problems: How to Spot Misinformation.” National Association of Black Journalists – Raleigh/Durham Chapter, in partnership with NC Local News Workshop (Elon University), Online Forum (December 2021).

Presenter, “From Field Reporting to the Anchor Desk: Go Live at 5.” North Carolina Scholastic Media Institute’s Fall Regional Workshop (October 2021).

Moderator and Presenter, “Know Your Legal Rights as a Journalist.” Society of Professional Journalists 2021 Conference (September 2021).

Presenter, “Free Speech: A Global Perspective and a Tool for Diverse Communities.” Special Libraries Association 2021 Conference (August 2021).

Panelist, “Informing the Public on the Promise and Perils of Algorithms.” Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine Week Presentation (March 2021).

Professional Activities

Solutions Journalism Network

Member, Board of Directors (2023 – Present)

Society of Professional Journalists

Treasurer-Secretary (elected), Board of Directors (2022 – 2023)
Member, Board of Directors (2021 – 2022)
Chair, Legal Defense Fund Committee (2021 – 2023)
Member, Delegate Analysis Task Force (2021 – 2022)
Member, Freedom of Information Committee (2020 – 2021): Helped assemble a Sunshine Week project titled, Reporter’s Guide to Algorithms. Researched and authored 15 suggested story ideas to help journalists guide future coverage of this emerging topic.

Society of Professional Journalists Foundation (formerly Sigma Delta Chi Foundation)

Member, Board of Directors (2021 – 2023)

Media Apperances

Made two appearances on WGHP FOX 8 to discuss President Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and the future of the 2024 election.
Appeared on the podcast, UnSpun, "The Fabled First Amendment," hosted by Elon Professor Amanda Sturgill.
Appeared on Elon News Network podcast, ENN Radio's The Pilgrim's Progress. Hosted by ENN student journalist Claire Schoenfeld.
“Elon University faculty builds a new tool for a student who became paralyzed in 2018,” WFMY News 2 (Jan. 13, 2023)
HLN, “Vengeance: Killer Newlyweds”: Guest apperance on Original Documentary Series: offered legal analysis and news commentary on a murder investigation in South Florida. (January 2022)

News Clippings

Angela Fu, “Facing a financial shortfall, the Society of Professional Journalists turns to its foundation for support,” Poynter (Oct. 4, 2023)
Sarah Scire, “The Society of Professional Journalists faces a “dire situation,” Nieman Lab (Sept. 28, 2023)
Michaela Zeno, “SMART Mentoring program pilot integrates faculty and staff into initiative,” Today at Elon (Sept. 25, 2023)
Tommy Kopetskie, “ElonComm faculty members attend AEJMC conference in Washington, D.C.,” Today at Elon (Sept. 6, 2023)
Gregg Skall and Ashley Brydone-Jack, “Pros And Cons Of Top-Four Network Rule In The Digital Age,” Law360 (Aug. 30, 2023)
Elon University News Bureau staff, “NPR stations feature insights from Israel Balderas into police raid of newsroom,” Today at Elon (Aug. 17, 2023)
Holly Edgell, “A newspaper raid in Kansas did not stop the presses, but did start scrutiny of local police,” KCUR 89.3, NPR in Kansas City (August 14, 2023)
Tommy Kopetskie, “Emerging Journalists Program’s Immersion cohort exhibits curiosity and potential,” Today at Elon (July 18, 2023)
Owen Covington, “Journalists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka visit Elon School of Communications,” Today at Elon (June 21, 2023)
Avery Sloan, “Elon University Celebremos honors Latinx, Hispanic graduates,” Elon News Network (May 18, 2023)
Elon University News Bureau staff, “WFMY segment features Elon faculty who built tool for paralyzed student,” Today at Elon (Jan. 18, 2023)

Service Activities

Elon University

Member, Elon Core Curriculum Council (2024 - present), Elon University
Faculty Member, SMART Mentoring Program (2023 – Present), Elon University (Pilot Program)
Presenter, Phoenix Fusion teaching demonstrations, Elon University Admissions
Member, Curriculum Committee (2022 – 2024), School of Communication
Instructor, Emerging Journalists Program (June 2023), School of Communications
Presenter, ¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight – Latinx/Hispanic Stole Ceremony (May 2023), Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education
Member, Academic Standing Committee (2022 – 2023), Elon University
Member, Latina Sorority Expansion Committee (2022), Elon University
Member, Diversity Committee (2021 – 2022), School of Communication
Member, Search Committee for Lecturer in Journalism position (2021 – 2022), School of Communication

Personal Information

Popular Publication

Expert Source, Danielle Battaglia, “Press access blocked at some NC Senate race events. How does it impact the public?” The News & Observer/McClatchy (July 24, 2026) (4.5M UVM). Interviewed as a First Amendment attorney/former journalist on press access at campaign events.

Expert Source, Maria Villarroel, “Stephen Miller proposes banning pregnant women from entering the US after Birthright Citizenship ruling,” The Mirror US (July 1, 2026) (4,601,821 UVM). Interviewed as a constitutional law expert on Citizenship Clause of 14th Amendment.

Expert Source, Maria Villarroel, “SCOTUS upholds birthright citizenship, but Kavanaugh gives Trump ‘side door’ to continue legal fight,” The Mirror US (June 30, 2026) (4,601,821 UVM). Interviewed as a constitutional law expert on Citizenship Clause of 14th Amendment.

Expert Source, Faith Wardwell, “What the Bleep? Why TV Audio Kept Cutting Out During Canes Championship Rally,” The News & Observer/McClatchy (June 23, 2026) (4.5M UVM) Interviewed as a First Amendment attorney on FCC broadcast-indecency rules.

Featured Interview, Kathryn Palmer, “What Would a TikTok Ban Mean for Higher Ed?” Inside Higher Ed (Jan. 30, 2025). Five-question feature interview as named expert on First Amendment implications of a TikTok ban for campus culture, digital literacy, and AI education. Article sub headline identifies Balderas by name as the interview subject. Inside Higher Ed reaches approximately two million higher education professionals monthly.

Expert Source, Danielle Battaglia, “Could Mark Robinson Face Legal Liability for Lying About Porn Reports?” The News & Observer/McClatchy (March 20, 2026) (4.5M UVM). Quoted as a named First Amendment and defamation expert analyzing Robinson’s legal exposure following his admission that CNN’s reporting was accurate, including analysis of actual malice doctrine and defamation liability. McClatchy distributes to flagship newspapers across multiple states.

Expert Source, Kathryn Palmer, “Specter of AI Haunts Class of 2026,” Inside Higher Ed (May 21, 2026). Quoted as named expert analyzing generational dimensions of student anxiety surrounding AI at commencement ceremonies nationwide; placement originated from original YouTube video commentary cross-distributed to LinkedIn and Substack.

Expert Source, Tatum Hunter, Lisa Bonos, Gaya Gupta and Heather Kelly, “‘The vibes where off’: How half a day without TikTok changed everything,” Wash. Post (Jan. 22, 2025), quoted as a First Amendment expert following the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the TikTok ban.

Expert Source, Sarah Ellison, “Sinclair’s recipe for TV news: Crime, homelessness, illegal drugs,” Washington Post (Feb. 16, 2024), interviewed over my time at Sinclair Broadcasting.

“A press freedom fight is brewing in San Francisco that could impact all Americans,” San Francisco Chronicle (May 24, 2024).

“Unmasking government control goes beyond Supreme Court social media case,” Restoration News Media, Oct. 21, 2023 (Elon University Writers Syndicate).

“Holding the powerful accountable is the legacy of Watergate,” On Watergate break-in’s 50th Anniversary, Elon Journalism Faculty Assess Scandal’s Impact on Modern Media (June 2022). Analysis of Watergate’s legacy for watchdog journalism and press independence; subsequently attracted NBC News who identified me as an expert source for a three-part national TV series.

“The NYTimes Editorial Board Needs Diversity in More Ways Than One,” opinion column, LatinoRebels.com (Jan. 21, 2020) (Latino Rebels is owned by Futuro Media Group).

Skills

LANGUAGE: Fluent in Spanish

MEDIA: Adobe Creative Cloud, Panasonic Lumix GH5, GoPro Series Cameras, Sony NX & XD Cameras

Professional Development

AEJMC 2021, 104th Annual Conference (August 4 - 7, 2021)

National Association of Hispanic Journalists 2021, International Training Conference (June 16 - July 17, 2021)

Freedom of Expression Scholars Conference 9 (April 29 - May 1, 2021)

The Freedom of Expression Scholars Conference (FESC) is an annual event at Yale Law School hosted by the Abrams Institute for Freedom of Expression. Scholars and practitioners come together to discuss works-in-progress on the freedoms of speech, expression, press, association, petition, and assembly; as well as on related issues of knowledge and information policy.

Media Law & Policy Scholars Conference (Jan. 8, 2021)

Organized by co-chairs Dr. Amy Kristin Sanders, associate professor at the University of Texas, and Dr. Jasmine NcNealy, associate professor at the University of Florida, the online workshop encouraged an engaging and intellectual dialogue. Everyone in attendance helped workshop the author’s paper in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Awards

Elon University, First Place, “AI-Facilitated Civil Discourse Companion,” Faculty Pedagogy Challenge (2025)

Elon University, Latinx/Hispanic Service Award - Honored by El Centro and the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE) for generous commitment of time, support and inspiration to the Latinx/Hispanic Community at Elon University (Dec. 2022)

Excellence in Leadership Award - Recognized by the School of Communications for outstanding contribution to the betterment and reputation of the school and the discipline (May 2022)

NATAS Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award Winner, Documentary-Topical (producer) (2020)

Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists, Public Affairs First Place (2020)

Ava Digital Awards, Platinum winner, long-form video category (2020)

U.S. International Film and Video Festival, Outstanding Creative Excellence Award (2019)

Communicator Award of Excellence, Documentary video category (2019)

Communicator Award of Distinction, Educational Institution for Video/TV (host/producer) (2019)

Florida Associated Press Broadcasters, Best Feature Award (light news, reporter) (2017)

NATAS Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award Nominee, Commentator/Editorialist (2016)

NATAS Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award Nominee, News Excellence (reporter contribution) (2016)

Florida Associated Press Broadcasters, Best Weather Reporting newscast (news anchor) (2016)

NATAS Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award Winner, Continuing Coverage (within 24 hours) (2015)

Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas, News Anchor of the Year (2012)

Charlotte Elevate Lifestyle, Favorite Local TV Male Anchor (2011)

New York Festival, Bronze Medal for “AIDS in America” documentary (2001)