Isa Balado returned to social networks after a painful incident that occurred while she was broadcasting live on a daytime program. The journalist, who faced a disturbing moment on air, chose to address the audience with honesty and resilience, sharing a personal message on the program’s official Instagram account. The post marked a turning point, signaling a courageous reopening of her voice after the event that upset many viewers and colleagues alike.
“Coming back here was harder than I imagined, and I still feel a lump in my throat,” Balado wrote. “It would have felt unjust to ignore such messages of encouragement and kindness that have reached me.” Her words reveal the emotional toll of the experience and the importance of support from the audience and the industry itself.
The communicator also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming stream of messages she has received since the incident, describing the public’s response as a flood of affection that left her speechless and touched by the generosity of so many people in the media community and beyond.
In the wake of the event, Balado received visible support from a broad segment of public life in Spain. For instance, after a judge released the person involved in the inappropriate incident, Antonio García Ferreras publicly shared his views on the matter following the broadcast of footage from the event on a current affairs program. His commentary reflected a broader discussion about the risks faced by journalists working on the street and the responsibility of the media to protect their personnel while maintaining a rigorous, respectful environment for everyone on set and in public spaces.
Ferreras emphasized that many presenters and reporters have faced abuse during field work, noting a hopeful shift in the national climate. He underscored the need for clear boundaries and accountability, affirming that progressive changes are taking root even if the road remains long. The entire team on the studio program supported Isabel Balado, signaling a united stance against harassment in the field of journalism.
After those remarks on the program, Ferreras invited Verónica Sanz to offer her reflections. Sanz recounted a similar moment from her own career, describing how professionals who cover large public events can encounter harassment, humiliation, and even physical contact. She highlighted that such experiences are not isolated and have affected many colleagues, reinforcing a collective sense of vulnerability among reporters who stand in front of crowds every day.
Before showing footage from Balado and other segments in which journalists faced inappropriate behavior, Ferreras reminded viewers that reporting these incidents had previously not always triggered the attention they deserved. He remarked that Spain has evolved over the past decade and that unacceptable behavior is no longer acceptable, signaling a cultural and professional shift toward greater accountability and protection for journalists on the ground.
Balado has spoken candidly about the emotional and professional impact of the incident. She recalled how difficult it was to maintain composure while continuing the broadcast, despite the discomfort and the fear of further intrusion. She described the moment as one that tested her resolve but also highlighted the importance of staying true to her duties as a journalist. Her testimony, alongside the conversations sparked by colleagues like Sanz and Ferreras, contributes to a broader dialogue about the safety and dignity of reporters who operate in dynamic, unpredictable environments. The collective response from the media community and viewers alike demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting journalists and ensuring that responsible reporting persists in the face of adversity.