Big News

Meet Our New Editor in Chief, Emma Balter

Houstonia welcomes Houston-based Balter, who brings more than a decade of journalism experience to the role.

By Houstonia Staff May 9, 2023

Today we're thrilled to announce that Emma Balter has joined Houstonia as our new editor in chief. 

Balter takes the helm at a pivotal time in Houston and at our 10-year-old publication as we continue to steadily grow and evolve our award-winning, locally focused editorial. She brings with her a wealth of storytelling experience, from food and travel to culture and entertainment. Balter was most recently the food editor at Chron and was previously a features reporter at Houston Chronicle and an associate editor at Wine Spectator. 

"After our first meeting, I felt Emma had the perfect combination of journalism expertise, leadership skills, wit, and vision to lead Houstonia into its next decade and beyond," says Angela Cabotaje, vice president of editorial at SagaCity Media, Houstonia's parent company. 

"Emma is just what Houstonia—and what our city—needs to cover the breadth and depth of one of our country's most unique, diverse, and interesting places," adds Nicole Vogel, CEO and cofounder of SagaCity.

"I'm beyond excited by this opportunity to shepherd Houstonia, and return to my first journalism love: magazines," Balter says. "Houstonians deserve smart, engaging coverage of their city that cuts through the noise, and I can't wait to continue building on the amazing foundation Houstonia created 10 years ago. Our team will be doubling down on telling the stories of Houston in all its glory—the wonderful, the weird, the essential, and everything in between."


Get to Know Emma

My favorite thing about Houston: The weather. (Yes, seriously.)
My favorite Houston food: It's hard to pick just one favorite, but no other Houston dish has a grip on me quite like Mala Sichuan Bistro's dan dan noodles.
Three things I can't live without: My car, Nadine; my cookbook club; and my spreadsheets.
One thing no one knows about me: Bill Bryson gave me my first pair of rain boots (I don't remember the encounter because I was five).
My personal motto: All news is local news.

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