BOLD VOICES: The 20 Most Influential Journalists in Social Media

The future of influence in journalism  

At Boldspace, we’ve always believed that communications must evolve with culture. Today, the way news is consumed, and the way journalists build influence, has changed dramatically. Legacy titles alone no longer define reach or relevance. Journalists are now brands in their own right, commanding engaged audiences on TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Substack and Instagram. 

This annual Power List is our way of recognising that shift. It celebrates 20 of the most exciting, future-facing voices in journalism – individuals who are not just reporting on change but driving it. They’re shaping conversations, breaking news in new formats, and building influence in ways that matter to modern audiences. 

For PRs and comms professionals, these are the people to watch, follow and engage with. They represent new routes to reach audiences and new kinds of collaboration worth exploring. 

We also asked some of this year’s featured journalists to share their own reflections on the shifting nature of influence, news, and collaboration in 2025. 

Their answers offer practical tips, surprising insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how today’s most influential media voices approach their work, their platforms, and their audiences. 

We hope this becomes a useful resource for anyone navigating the evolving relationship between journalism, storytelling, and brand-building. These are the journalists defining the feed and shaping the future of influence. 

Download the full version of Bold Voices below, featuring interviews with influential journalists on our Power List 2025.

Our 2025 Power List 

Martin’s TikTok account is a rare behind-the-curtain view into broadcast journalism. By explaining how producers select stories and what makes a strong TV pitch, he’s become a cult favourite among PR professionals and media hopefuls. His no-nonsense, clear advice delivered straight to camera has earned him a reputation as a trusted guide through the complex world of TV news. 
🔗 TikTok 

Sapna is a stylish disruptor in digital media. She speaks to a modern, values-driven audience combining luxury, lifestyle and cultural commentary through her work at SheerLuxe and her own platforms. With a warm, self-assured voice and highly shareable content, she’s leading a new generation of lifestyle journalism. 
🔗 Instagram 

Emily is a newsroom leader who has redefined how business and career news reaches people on social. As Managing Editor at LinkedIn News, she leads a team that curates, creates, and commissions content across the UK and Europe. Her work has helped LinkedIn become a legitimate media platform, especially among professionals under 40. 
🔗 LinkedIn 

Nathan has played a major role in some of the UK’s fastest-growing media brands, from The Hook to Pubity. With a deep understanding of content virality and format strategy, he leads teams that deliver massive reach across Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat while keeping a finger on the pulse of youth culture. 
🔗 Instagram LinkedIn

Steph has started her own LinkedIn newsletter, ‘Off the Record’, providing a weekly source of journalism insights tailored for PR and communication professionals. Her newsletter will breakdown for its readers what really works in newsrooms – already attracting a strong subscriber following.  
🔗 LinkedIn 

Annabelle represents the new face of BBC journalism – young, connected and relatable. Her behind-the-scenes TikToks share the real day-to-day of being a journalist and resonate with early-career creatives and Gen Z consumers of news. She’s building both trust and visibility. 
🔗 TikTok 

Dougal has quietly built one of LinkedIn’s most consistent and thoughtful news series, focusing on entrepreneurs and innovation. With a BBC background and an eye for emerging trends, his use of newsletters and behind-the-scenes storytelling feels human, valuable, and genuinely useful. 
🔗 LinkedIn 

Victoria is a veteran broadcaster with a remarkable ability to adapt. On TikTok, she explains breaking news with nuance and urgency, reaching over 500,000 followers in the process. Her tone is serious but accessible, bringing public service journalism to a whole new audience. She’s showing that TikTok isn’t just for trends, it’s for trust. 
🔗 TikTok 

Max is a master of multiplatform reporting. His TikTok content – crafted for a mobile-first audience – has earned him over 1.3 million followers, blending sharp storytelling with broadcast polish. His Substack and show What We Know tie it all together: clear, consistent, high-quality reporting with real personality. 
🔗 TikTok 

As founder of Viralect and a contributing editor at Translator Magazine, Sophia is a leader in social-first journalism. Whether she’s breaking down complex social issues or experimenting with new video formats, her work has helped major outlets like VICE and the BBC rethink their TikTok strategies. Her posts are educational, bold, and deeply human – often going viral while staying rigorously sourced.
🔗 TikTok 

Ellie has led the transformation of MailOnline into a social media giant, driving its TikTok following to 30 million+ – the most-followed news brand on the platform. Her formula: snappy, high-impact videos that meet audiences where they are and react to the cultural moment in real time. 
🔗 MailOnline TikTok 

With a hybrid role bridging editorial and creative strategy, Holly’s output is as intelligent as it is engaging. She’s a newsletter pioneer and Gen Z whisperer, launching Capsule to explore fashion, culture and identity from a personal, high-context lens. Her content is thoughtful and trend-savvy in equal measure. 
🔗 Instagram 

A seasoned red-carpet reporter, Melissa understands the art of a viral moment. She repackages her interviews and entertainment coverage across Instagram and TikTok, making even Hollywood A-listers feel approachable. Her content is dynamic, authentic, and masterfully repurposed for social. 
🔗 Instagram 

Becky is shaping what high-quality original content looks like in a social-first media business. At LADbible, she oversees programming that connects deeply with young audiences balancing bold entertainment with real-world storytelling. Her influence extends beyond the screen, speaking at events like Create London on the future of creator-led journalism. 
🔗 Instagram 

From meme account to media empire, Anthony’s story is proof that cultural clout is its own form of journalism. With over 5 million followers, IMJUSTBAIT has become a go-to platform for viral news, culture and commentary. Anthony is building something that straddles influence, news, and business entirely on his own terms. 
🔗 LinkedIn 

Aadam brings fresh energy to sports journalism, especially across Mail Sport’s digital platforms. His content is playful, insightful, and committed to diversity in sport. Whether he’s in front of the camera or behind the mic, he’s redefining what a modern sports journalist can be. 
🔗 Instagram 

A former agency creative turned solo media powerhouse, Ashley has turned Stuff About Advertising into one of the most influential media accounts on LinkedIn and TikTok. Her videos blend sharp industry analysis with actionable creative advice offering campaign reviews, concepting insights, and portfolio critiques for aspiring advertisers. She’s built a loyal cross-platform community by being open, honest, and refreshingly unfiltered. Ashley isn’t just shaping ad discourse, she’s mentoring the next wave. 
🔗 TikTok | LinkedIn