Joni Balter

Joni Balter is a multi-media journalist and lecturer who has taught in the communication departments at Seattle University and the University of Washington, as well as the U.W.’s Evans School of Public Affairs.

Balter worked for many years as a prize-winning editorial writer and columnist and then as assistant political editor at The Seattle Times. In the last year, she has become a writer for Bloomberg View, the opinion section of Bloomberg. She is also a new analyst and regular guest on the NPR-affiliate KUOW, particularly its highly popular “Week in Review” show. Balter also serves as editorial adviser for a new current affairs show beginning fall 2014 on KCTS 9, “IN Close.’’ 

Once a month, she hosts “Civic Cocktail,’’ sponsored by Seattle City Club, Crosscut and the Seattle Channel, with guests ranging from Mayor Ed Murray to Gov. Jay Inslee to Seattle’s premier restaurateur, Tom Douglas. 

Balter graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in political science and environmental science. She is married to the author and New York Times columnist Timothy Egan. They have two grown children. She is an avid runner.