Billy Ball
Summary
Dynamic journalist with a proven track record of leadership, audience growth, community engagement, and top-flight journalism. Expert in new media forms, digital storytelling and strategic planning. With 20+ years of experience, considered an authority on news, politics, media ethics, history, and communication.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Publisher,
The Living South
01.2025 - Current
- Launched publication highlighting changemakers in the American South
- Monetized a growing audience on Ghost
- Established and expanded social media presence
- Interviews and deep-dive profiles on people like national figures like Bakari Sellers, Anderson Clayton, and more
Managing Editor,
Cardinal & Pine
Durham, NC
03.2020 - Current
- Manage award-winning news team reporting on NC news and politics
- Held virtually every role, including managing the website, social media, newsletters, editorial content, community relations, external communications, fundraising, hiring, and much more
- Started from scratch to build a newsletter audience of 100,000+ and a social media audience of ~190,000 in just six years
- Routinely appearing on TV, radio, and podcasts, including MSNBC, Scripps News, PBS, Spectrum News "Capitol Tonight," NPR, and many others
- Frequent keynote speaker at UNC's School of Journalism, community events, and political functions
- Directed quarterly fundraising campaigns, consistently exceeding Courier revenue goals
- Created and monetized "Billy Ball Explains NC," a growing social media video series that demystifies key news stories for a casual news audience, with some videos exceeding 100,000 views
Contributing writer,
The Atlantic, Washington Post, MS Now, and more
2018 - Current
- Produced hard-hitting reporting and commentary for a national audience on politics, immigration, far-right extremism, education, and more
- Bylines at The Atlantic, MS Now (formerly MSNBC), The Washington Post, The News & Observer, and many others
Managing Editor,
NC Policy Watch (now NC Newsline)
Raleigh, NC
01.2016 - 02.2020
- Oversaw an award-winning editorial team and ensured alignment with organizational mission
- Managed editorial team, ensuring adherence to high-quality journalism standards
- Collaborated with writers to develop compelling stories and reports, including high-profile investigations
- Edited articles for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to style guidelines
- Coordinated publication schedules and enforced deadlines to enhance workflow efficiency
- Guided strategic planning for content themes and editorial initiatives, aligning with audience engagement goals
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05-2004
Skills
- Editorial leadership
- Investigative reporting
- Media ethics
- Media law
- Audience engagement
- Strategic planning
- Social media strategy
- Exceptional writing
- Fact-checking
- SEO
- Project management
- Team collaboration
- Brand development
- Excellent communicator
Awards
- Winner of 25+ awards for investigative reporting, enterprise journalism, videos, commentary, and more at the NC Press Association
- Winner of the Media Impact Award at the national Society of Professional Journalists for investigation of solitary confinement in prisons
Timeline
Publisher,
The Living South
01.2025 - Current
Managing Editor,
Cardinal & Pine
03.2020 - Current
Managing Editor,
NC Policy Watch (now NC Newsline)
01.2016 - 02.2020
Contributing writer,
The Atlantic, Washington Post, MS Now, and more
2018 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill