The top journalists covering AI in 2026

Securing coverage for your AI company can be daunting. The landscape is evolving quickly, and competition for attention is only increasing. Being successful requires more than a one-off pitch and finding a journalist’s email address. 

Great media relations starts with following the top industry journalists to learn over time the stories they cover and to build an in-depth understanding of what to pitch. 

Not all journalists covering AI will be right for your story, and it’s important to understand more than just their AI beat. Make sure to follow their recent coverage and offer a story that adds value to their readers. 

We’ve compiled a list of reporters who are shaping the conversation around the impact of AI to help you get started.

Rebecca Bellan is an experienced reporter at TechCrunch, covering the business, policy, and emerging trends surrounding AI. Follow her to stay in the know of new innovations, leading companies, and major announcements. 

Russell Brandom is an AI editor at TechCrunch and has been covering the tech industry for 14 years. Follow Russell to catch funding news big and small, industry predictions, and breaking news.

Ashley Capoot is a reporter for CNBC covering AI. Follow her coverage to gain insight into new policies, investments, and announcements. She’s a great resource for breaking news and moves from the major industry players.

Brian X. Chen is an experienced consumer technology writer at The New York Times. If you’re looking for a more nuanced view of AI and how it affects society, be sure to follow Brian’s work. Author and early tech adopter, he’s watched the evolution of smart devices from their inception to their impact today.

Andrew Cunningham is a seasoned technology reporter at Ars Technica, specializing in consumer tech. If you’re looking for reviews on new AI products and systems, he’s the one to follow. 

Jeffrey Dastin is a correspondent at Reuters who covers AI and the tech industry. Based in San Francisco, he covers both local and global breaking AI news, industry predictions, and AI regulation. 

Hayden Field is an AI reporter at The Verge, sharing insights on how AI tools are being used and the larger impact they have on society. She dives into the relationship between AI companies and regulators and how it is evolving.

Ina Fried is an expert technology correspondent at Axios, covering AI and top tech topics. She also runs the Axios AI+ newsletter, which is a great resource to keep up on daily news. If you’re looking for unique insights and hot takes on trending topics, Ina is the perfect person to follow. 

Shirin Ghaffary is a reporter for Bloomberg News in San Francisco with an eye on the hopes and fears surrounding AI. She is a great person to follow for larger policy questions and what the big players are up to. 

David Gewirtz is a seasoned contributing editor at ZDNET, where he tests out and reviews AI tech. With over 30 years of experience in AI, the former professor has both a technical and practical perspective on AI. 

Jeremy Kahn is an AI editor at Fortune and the author of Fortune’s Eye on AI newsletter. He covers everything from startup news to analysis of the greater industry and burning questions. 

Will Knight is a writer for WIRED, specializing in AI. His AI Lab newsletter offers a look into the cutting edge of AI, and his coverage includes unique takes from top leaders, AI predictions, and industry analysis.

Katherine Li is a reporter at Business Insider covering AI startup culture, giving a look into the up-and-comers in the industry. If you want to look beyond the big players, she’s the perfect person to follow.

Harry McCracken is a global technology editor at Fast Company, covering how AI is affecting work, home, personal life, and beyond. His work provides a practical look into AI and what companies and products mean for both the business leader and consumer. 

Cade Metz is a technology reporter for The New York Times. He has covered tech for over 30 years and is focused on identifying tech that will become a significant part of everyday life, including AI advancements. 

Adam Mills is an AI editor at Newsweek and authors the AI Impact column. He has great insights into what’s to come in the industry. He hosts webinars with top AI minds and highlights industry leaders in his Newsmakers series. 

Rachel Metz is an AI reporter at Bloomberg, sharing top earnings, investments, and new products. She covers both the positives and negatives of the industry, so follow her for honest takes.

Madhumita Murgia is an AI editor at The Financial Times. She’s a great person to follow for news on emerging tech and data. The author of Code Dependent, a book on how AI is impacting our lives, she has a future-focused view of AI. 

Stephanie Palazzolo is a reporter at The Information and writes the daily AI Agenda newsletter. She focuses on the major company announcements, industry predictions, and the effects of new tech. 

Jared Perlo covers AI at NBC, touching on everything from the nitty-gritty tech behind AI to its use in our personal lives. A former AI policy researcher, he understands the politics and societal impact of the tech on a larger scale. 

Anna Tong covers AI at Forbes, reporting on funding, investments, and profits in the industry. She also conducts feature interviews with startup founders and top AI leaders, giving an inside look into their success stories. 

Building a media network

Developing strong media relations can take time, but it pays off in the long run. By following the right journalists, you’re better equipped to understand how your company and expertise fit in the wider AI landscape. When the time comes to share your company’s story, you’ll know who to reach out to and how to grab their attention. 

Building strong media knowledge and relationships takes time, which is why many AI companies turn to expert public relations agencies like SlicedBrand to handle media relations. Staying informed is one of the key starting points in PR, so make sure you’re following the top voices!