The Top Media Stars that Have Made an Impact This Year

By Lindsey Loving April 29, 2016

News Media Alliance Introduces “Top 30 Under 30”

News Media Alliance is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural “Top 30 Under 30” Awards program, honoring young industry leaders in every aspect of the newspaper business. The program provides an opportunity to showcase the energy, innovation and vitality of the news media industry – and its rising stars – at mediaXchange 2016, three exciting days of proven success strategies and networking with the top news media and advertising executives in North America.
Criteria for Selection:

Must be employed at a News Media Alliance member news media company (journalists or those in business or technology departments)
Must be younger than age 30 before March 31, 2016
Must have demonstrated professional excellence in their field in the last six months
Must display a commitment to the industry

Featuring the winners:

News Media Alliance feature articles on each of the winners will be published on its website from May to August 2016, which can be found by clicking on the names of the winners below.

Without further ado, News Media Alliance would like to congratulate the following recipients:

David Beniot
Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Ashley Bethard
Digital Manager, Cox Media Group Ohio
Rafael Carranza
Digital Producer and Reporter, La Voz
Brittany Coale
Automotive & Grocery Manager, The Kansas City Star
Christina Contreras
Circulation Marketing Manager, Arizona Republic
Anna Costello
Director of Business Development, Adpay, Inc.
Adam Fitzgerald
Business Development Manager, NANDO Media Company
Shannon Green
Senior Multimedia Producer, USA Today
Bob Hagh
Marketing and Multimedia Manger, The News & Observer
Sandy Hooper
Sports Video Producer, USA Today
Ashley Howard
Circulation Digital Audience Development, The Oklahoman Media Company
Hannah Hunsinger
Staff Photographer, The Sanford Herald Newspaper
Elizabeth Jespersen
Content Initiatives Coordinator, GateHouse Media
Nathan Kelly
Video Planning Editor, Arizona Republic
Nina Mandell
For The Win Managing Editor, USA Today Sports Media Group
Joe Martin
Technology, Money and Legal Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Michael Matthews
Circulation Marketing Manager, The New & Advance
Clare McMahon
Client Strategy Manager, Democrat and Chronicle Media
Mark Pan
Partnership Strategist, Newsela
Clifford Parody
Reporter, The Ledger
Joshua Peterson
Publisher, Manchester Times
Allison Petty
Reporter, Herald & Review
Adam Playford
Director of Data/Digital Enterprise, Tampa Bay Times
Arielle Ray
Video Journalist, The Wall Street Journal
Joshua Robinson
Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Richard Romeo
Senior Account Executive, Cox Media Group – Austin American Statesman
Allison Sebelius
Marketing and Event Coordinator, The World Company
Chris Segal
Managing Editor, The Daily News Jacksonville NC
Elizabeth Varin
Web Producer, American News
Eric Webb
Social Media & Engagement Editor, Austin American Statesman