V Spehar of Under the Desk News to host 2026 OJAs in NYC

We are excited to announce award-winning digital journalist V Spehar as this year's host of the Online Journalism Awards. The awards celebration will take place October 1 from 6 - 10 p.m. at City Winery in NYC. Join us to celebrate the year in journalistic excellence. 

About V Spehar
V Spehar is an award-winning digital journalist, podcaster, and creator behind Under the Desk News, where they make current events clear, human, and engaging for millions. With over 5.2 million followers, V has interviewed political and cultural leaders including Presidents Biden and Obama, Vice President Harris, and Mark Cuban.

Their work has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post and NBC News, and they are frequently featured as a guest contributor on MS NOW and CNN. V is a Webby, Shorty, and GLAAD Award winner and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Digital Voices in 2025.

They were recently honored with the prestigious 2026 First Amendment Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the protection and advancement of free speech and a free press through digital journalism. V is currently working on their debut book with Zando Publishing, set for release in early 2027.

Learn more about the finalists and purchase a table for your newsroom.