From AI tools to social media-style news sites, Under 30 winners like Aaron Parnas and Eli Lalo are shaping tomorrow’s media industry.
Written by Alexandra York, Dean Stirling-Jones, Nicole McElroy
Wchicken Victor Perez At the age of 18, he had to make an important decision: to study classical guitar at the Spanish Conservatory of Music or to attend university to study technology. The Barcelona native decided to combine both interests by studying audiovisual systems engineering at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. Perez did academic research on AI in school and created the idea for Krea, a creative tools software platform that allows anyone to create professional-grade art (photos, videos, graphic design, etc.).
Launched in 2022 with co-founder Diego Rodriguez PradoKrea, 29, is currently backed by $83 million from investors including Bain Capital Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and Abstract Ventures.
“We didn’t start the company to find a problem and solve it. At first, everything was chaotic and kind of serendipitous,” says Perez, now 28. “I got really interested in AI and coding coming from a creative background, and there was a small movement, especially on Twitter, of people researching how to do creative things with AI.”
Perez and Prado are emblematic of young leaders in today’s media industry. The winners of this year’s 30 Under 30 Media list are leveraging technology to make old media new again, create unique content, and democratize access to news.
take jack brewsterA 29-year-old who cuts through the chaotic news space with news reels. The former journalist founded the platform after realizing that traditional media was failing to attract his generation. “Journalism didn’t reach them,” Brewster said. forbes. “So I built something that could do that.” His solution? It’s an interactive app that uses a visual, swipeable format (similar to social media platforms) to make news more appealing to Gen Z. The app currently boasts a waiting list of more than 10,000 users and has partnerships with universities such as Oberlin College and Penn State University.
Meanwhile, an independent journalist and lawyer Aaron ParnasThe 26-year-old created a politics and current affairs newsletter with 630,000 subscribers. Parnas point of view—This is the top “news” publisher on Substack. and counts 7 million followers across social media. Readers and viewers visit his page to learn complex legal and political stories in an easier way. “The biggest misconception about young people is that we don’t care. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are organizing, mobilizing, and driving the next wave of change in this country,” says Parnas.
Today’s authors also use modern means to reach readers. Eli Lalo27, started out as a content creator on TikTok before publishing her first nonfiction book. I didn’t know I needed this, but This year she published her second book. Does anyone else feel this way?And she plans to publish her debut novel. I hope Eden reads thisIn addition to her work, she also runs an online book club and a “literary salon” called Prose Hoes, which consists of in-person events and podcasts discussing her latest reading.
While the focus is on founders, the 2026 list features a variety of changemakers looking to make waves within their organizations. james traleeThe 28-year-old is NASA’s star storyteller, producing television shows, movies and digital content to engage more than 10 million viewers with the organization’s missions and discoveries. His work even earned him an Emmy nomination. audrey blackmoreThe 28-year-old is a producer at sports media site Boardroom. There, her coverage of athletes like A’ja Wilson and Paul George draws 23 million views a month, thanks in large part to the trailers and B-roll promoting the content. At Andreessen Horowitz, Brent LiangThe 28-year-old will lead the company’s new media division, which produces videos, trailers and films for the company’s portfolio companies.
From AI creative tools to the TikTok news platform, the media industry has changed dramatically in the 15 years since the Under 30 list first launched. It is also true that some people are worried about the future. But the leaders on this year’s list are growing with the times, making the old new again and creating what’s next.
“The key is to adapt,” Perez says. “At the end of the day, I don’t think this is a replacement. This is about allowing creators to have more possibilities in formats they haven’t been able to create before.”
To select the 2026 recipients, forbes The editors gathered nominations from alumni under 30 and the public, conducted original research, and drew on the expertise of independent reviewers. Jenny Chiubroadcast journalist. iman hariri kiaauthor; hernan lopezfounder of Owl & Co. and Lynette NylanderExecutive Digital Director, Harper’s Bazaar. Of those named to the final list, 48% identify as women, 35% identify as people of color, and 70% are founders. All nominees in this year’s class must be 29 years of age or younger as of December 31, 2025, and have not previously been named to the 30 Under 30 list in Europe, North America, or Asia.
This year’s list was compiled by Alexandra York, Dean Stirling-Jones and Nicole McElroy. For a link to the complete media list of 2026’s 30 Under 30, go to click hereand for full coverage for those under 30 in 2026. click here.
