V Spehar

V Spehar, known online as @underthedesknews, is a digital journalist, podcaster, and content creator recognized for independent news coverage and digital media innovation. Spehar has built a following of more than 4.7 million by delivering current events through accessible, short-form video journalism and podcasting.

Before entering journalism, Spehar spent 15 years in the food and beverage industry, including serving as director of impact for the James Beard Foundation in New York City. This background in storytelling, civic engagement, and community-building informed a transition into media, shaping a career focused on redefining how audiences consume news.

Spehar is the host and creator of @underthedesknews on TikTok, specializing in brief, informative recaps of notable headlines. The channel was launched to make news media less intimidating and more understandable. During the January 6 insurrection, Spehar created a short video addressed to then-Vice President Mike Pence while lying under a desk, which gained significant attention and established a signature reporting style. This approach has cultivated a dedicated community known as the "Dust Bunnies."

Spehar's original reporting has included one-on-one interviews with Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Secretary Antony Blinken, as well as several members of Congress. Spehar has covered the Democratic National Convention as an official digital streamer and the Paris Olympics in partnership with TikTok, and has contributed as a field correspondent and host for Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and NBC News. Spehar has also participated in White House briefings on the Inflation Reduction Act and voter turnout for the midterm elections, collaborating with Barack Obama and other digital creators to encourage civic participation.

Spehar produces the weekly podcast "V Interesting" with Lemonada Media, expanding their news coverage to audio platforms. The show has maintained a steady position among the top 25 news podcasts, and Spehar's Substack newsletter has attracted more than 73,000 subscribers. Spehar received the Webby Special Achievement Award for Under the Desk News, an honor from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences recognizing innovative, concise reporting that increases access to news through short-form video. Spehar was also a finalist for a GLAAD Media Award, highlighting contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in independent journalism and podcasting, and was included on TIME magazine's TIME100 Creators list, which recognizes influential digital content makers.

In addition to reporting, Spehar is a public speaker on topics including the evolving media landscape, authenticity, and resilience. Spehar discusses their experience navigating dyslexia and overcoming learning insecurity, emphasizing the importance of resilience, seeking support, and maintaining a student mentality in achieving success. Spehar has been named a MediaWise Ambassador by the Poynter Institute and a RISE25 ambassador for digital excellence. Whether speaking at universities, appearing on PBS, or advocating for the future of digital journalism, Spehar supports the idea that credible, accessible news can originate from any platform.