TOP 50 JOURNALISM THOUGHT LEADERS, KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & MEDIA FUTURIST CONSULTING EXPERTS

Today’s Top 50 journalism thought leaders, keynote speakers and media futurists observe that the field is constantly evolving, with consultants at the vanguard of technological innovations, ethical reporting, and the transformation of the media industry. From print to digital, broadcast to social media, the world’s Top 50 journalism thought leaders are driving change, steering public discourse, and influencing how news is consumed worldwide.

By way of example, a name you’ve probably heard frequently is Scott Steinberg, futurist keynote speaker and consulting expert to over 3000 companies and brands. A Top 50 journalism thought leaders list standout and advisor to media brands and associations of all stripes, he’s just one of myriad options to pick from.

If you’re planning a conference, convention or corporate meeting, it helps to know the full variety of who’s trending, though. And you’ll be able to do just that after checking out our Top 50 journalism thought leaders guide to the most influential voices in the field.

Also be advised that of course we welcome suggestions and submissions for future installments of the list, given how rapidly the industry continues to transform and advance. If you have any Top 50 journalism thought leaders ideas that you’d like to share, simply drop us a note with the details and we’ll have a look.

1. Scott Steinberg – Business strategist and keynote speaker, providing consulting on the intersection of technology and media, including digital journalism trends.
2. David Zaslav – CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, leading efforts in digital media and global broadcasting.
3. Robert Thomson – CEO of News Corp, overseeing global media operations and advancing digital journalism.
4. Jeffrey Zucker – Former President of CNN, Top 50 journalism thought leaders option instrumental in shaping broadcast journalism and news networks.
5. Susan Wojcicki – CEO of YouTube, guiding the platform’s role in video journalism and content creation.
6. Mark Thompson – CEO of The New York Times Company, leading the charge in digital subscriptions and innovative journalism.
7. Carolyn Reidy – Former CEO of Simon & Schuster, shaping the future of digital publishing and media.
8. John Malone – Chairman of Liberty Media, a major player in media investments, particularly in broadcast and digital spaces.
9. Jim Bankoff – CEO of Vox Media, leading digital-first journalism with an emphasis on audience engagement.
10. Kathleen Carroll – Former Executive Editor of The Associated Press, Top 50 journalism thought leaders provider who’s influential in defining global wire service reporting standards.
11. Rocco Commisso – CEO of Mediaco, an integrated media company focusing on digital transformation in broadcasting.
12. Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, driving innovations in digital journalism and business models.
13. Brian Stelter – Host of CNN’s “Reliable Sources,” offering thought leadership on the state of modern media and journalism.
14. Mark Thompson – CEO of The New York Times, steering the company’s digital transformation and leadership in investigative reporting.
15. Lester Holt – Anchor of NBC Nightly News, representing leadership in broadcast journalism and global reporting.
16. Jim Acosta – Chief White House Correspondent for CNN, playing a key role in political reporting and public discourse.
17. David Carey – Former CEO of Hearst Magazines, focusing on evolving print media and cross-platform content.
18. Nancy Dubuc – CEO of Vice Media, steering the media company toward digital journalism and youth-focused content.
19. Alan Murray – CEO of Fortune Media, expanding Fortune’s influence in business journalism through digital media.
20. Ryan Williams – CEO of The New York Times, leading the company’s efforts to expand its digital presence and reach new audiences.
21. Michael Bloomberg – Founder of Bloomberg LP, pioneering financial journalism and data-driven reporting.
22. Lisa Napolione – CEO of The New York Post, shaping print media’s transition to the digital age while maintaining journalistic integrity.
23. Jessica Lessin – Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Information, focusing on technology journalism with an investigative lens.
24. Greg Maffei – CEO of Liberty Media, playing a major role in shaping media consumption through digital innovation.
25. Mark Pritchard – Chief Brand Officer at Procter & Gamble, influencing how media and journalism intersect with marketing.
26. Leslie Moonves – Former CEO of CBS, shaping the company’s journalism and broadcast strategies.
27. David Remnick – Editor of The New Yorker, championing quality journalism and editorial independence.
28. John Skipper – Former President of ESPN, influencing sports journalism and digital media coverage in broadcasting.
29. Megan Murphy – Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg News, leading the company’s reporting on global finance and business journalism.
30. Maria Ressa – CEO of Rappler, a global leader in advocating for press freedom and investigative journalism in the Philippines.
31. Richard Plepler – Former CEO of HBO, known for pushing boundaries in journalism within entertainment programming.
32. Ronnie Lott – Chairman of The Athletes Network, pioneering sports journalism with digital media innovation.
33. Tom Curley – Former President and CEO of The Associated Press, transforming the AP into a leading digital news organization.
34. Sam Zell – Chairman of Tribune Media, steering print-to-digital transitions at major American newspapers.
35. Tina Brown – Founder of The Daily Beast, shaping the future of online journalism and editorial content.
36. Warren Buffett – Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, owner of several prominent newspapers, and advocate for high-quality journalism.
37. Alison Smale – Former Executive Editor of The International New York Times, influencing international journalism practices.
38. Arianna Huffington – Founder of HuffPost, transforming news consumption with a digital-first, conversational style of journalism.
39. Michael Ferro – Former CEO of Tronc, influencing digital content strategies at major newspapers like the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times.
40. Sharon Waxman – CEO of The Wrap, a leading provider of entertainment news with a focus on digital media.
41. Ted Sarandos – Co-CEO of Netflix, shaping the entertainment media landscape and influencing how digital content is consumed globally.
42. Keith Olbermann – Founder of “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” shaping cable news with his style of investigative and opinion journalism.
43. Stacy-Marie Ishmael – Managing Editor of Global News at Bloomberg, focusing on data journalism and global reporting.
44. Bill Keller – Former Executive Editor of The New York Times, advancing investigative journalism and global news standards.
45. Lizzo – CEO of Gannett, overseeing innovations in local journalism and expanding USA Today’s digital presence.
46. Roger Ailes – Former CEO of Fox News, shaping the rise of cable news with his unique editorial vision.
47. Matthew Ingram – Chief Digital Writer for Columbia Journalism Review, leading thought leadership in digital media.
48. David L. Cohen – Senior Executive Vice President of Comcast, overseeing media innovations in journalism and broadcasting.
49. Andrew Ross Sorkin – Co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and founder of DealBook, shaping financial and business journalism.
50. Sarah Ellison – Media Reporter at The Washington Post, leading investigative reporting in the digital age of journalism.

Global Top 50 journalism thought leaders are helping create the future from digital media transformation to advocacy for free press and the ethical responsibilities of journalists. Through their leadership, KOLs and SMEs work as influencers steering the direction of news production and consumption, pushing boundaries in investigative reporting, audience engagement, and digital innovation. The work they do today will define the future of media for generations to come.