Anna Riley – The Voice of Yorkshire and Humber: GB News’ Dynamic Multimedia Journalist
In the fast-evolving world of modern journalism, few names have managed to make a mark as swiftly and confidently as Anna Riley. Known for her authenticity, energy, and passion for storytelling, Anna Riley has established herself as a trusted and influential multimedia journalist at GB News, representing the voices of people across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Her career embodies the modern era of journalism — combining traditional reporting integrity with the agility and creativity demanded by digital platforms.
Early Life and Education
Behind every successful journalist lies a solid foundation of learning, curiosity, and determination — and Anna Riley is no exception. After completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Newcastle University between 2009 and 2012, where she graduated with a commendable 2:1 grade, Anna transitioned her analytical and critical thinking skills from law into the world of journalism. Her legal education provided her with a sharp understanding of ethics, public affairs, and courtroom reporting, all of which would later prove invaluable in her news career.
Determined to pursue her true passion, she continued her academic journey by enrolling at Leeds Trinity University, a prestigious institution renowned for its journalism programmes. Between 2016 and 2017, Anna completed her Master’s in Journalism, earning a Distinction — a testament to her talent and dedication. Her academic excellence was further recognised when she achieved the highest mark in the country in NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) court reporting, securing the Johnston Press Media Law: Court Reporting Award. She also achieved outstanding scores in Public Affairs (94%) and Media Law (90%), highlighting her strong grasp of media ethics and accuracy.
The Beginning of a Journalism Career
Anna Riley’s journey into journalism began with That’s TV, where she worked as an Editor, Reporter, and Presenter. Her tenure at That’s York TV and That’s Manchester TV gave her a deep understanding of local news production, from researching stories to self-shooting video interviews and presenting live broadcasts. As part of the team that launched That’s York TV, she played a critical role in developing the channel’s on-air identity, handling everything from story planning to directing in the gallery.
Her versatility shone through as she not only reported but also edited, scripted, and presented. This early experience built the foundation for her ability to manage the entire storytelling process — a skill that has become the hallmark of her work today. Anna also trained interns, managed social media, and coordinated production schedules, proving herself to be not just a journalist but a natural leader within the newsroom.
Rising to Prominence at Hull Daily Mail
In May 2018, Anna joined Hull Daily Mail (Hull Live) — part of Reach plc, the largest commercial regional news publisher in the UK. Over the next three years, she established herself as one of the publication’s top reporters. Known for her knack for finding exclusives, she covered everything from breaking news, inquests, and court cases to human interest stories, sports, and community events.
Her ability to connect with audiences was evident in her readership numbers. Anna consistently attracted over one million views per month, making her one of Hull Live’s most-read authors. Her reports were regularly picked up by major national outlets such as The Mirror, Daily Express, The Sun, and Daily Mail, further amplifying her reach. Her storytelling blended accuracy with empathy, allowing her to narrate the real-life challenges and triumphs of everyday people across Yorkshire.
Joining GB News – A National Platform
In May 2021, Anna Riley made the pivotal move to GB News, joining as a Reporter and Multimedia Journalist. Based in Yorkshire and The Humber, she represents the voice of her region on national television, online, and digital radio. Her role involves covering breaking news, local developments, and regional issues that reflect the pulse of northern England.
Working largely independently, Anna films, edits, scripts, and produces her own reports for GB News’ television and digital platforms. Her versatility allows her to handle every part of the news cycle — from field reporting and live coverage to content production for online audiences. She describes herself as having a passion for “on-the-ground reporting and representing all voices across the region,” a statement that captures her dedication to authentic, people-focused journalism.
In her four years at GB News, Anna has built a reputation for balanced, insightful, and visually engaging reporting. Her showreels from 2024 highlight a diverse range of stories — from community activism to local politics and national debates seen through a regional lens. She continues to provide multi-platform content, ensuring that stories from Yorkshire resonate not only on TV but across GB News’ online and social media channels.
Professional Skills and Approach
Anna Riley embodies the modern definition of a multimedia journalist — a professional who thrives at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and social responsibility. Her core skills include:
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Video Journalism: Self-shooting, editing, and packaging reports using professional camera systems such as Sony, JVC, and Panasonic.
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Broadcast Presentation: Delivering live reports with clarity and confidence.
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News Writing and Scripting: Crafting stories suitable for both digital and television audiences.
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Social Media Management: Engaging online audiences and amplifying stories through digital channels.
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Independent Reporting: Working autonomously while maintaining editorial integrity and accuracy.
Anna’s background in law adds another layer to her professionalism — her awareness of media regulations and ethical boundaries ensures her work meets the highest standards of journalistic practice.
Recognition and Achievements
Throughout her career, Anna Riley has earned recognition not only for her work ethic but also for her excellence in media law and court reporting. Her NCTJ award remains one of her earliest professional distinctions, but her ongoing achievements at GB News and Hull Live further demonstrate her consistent quality and public trust.
Her work’s inclusion in multiple national outlets, combined with her high engagement metrics, showcases her ability to connect with readers and viewers alike. Whether she’s covering a local community story or national breaking news, Anna’s delivery is always grounded, accessible, and informed.
Online Presence and Audience Engagement
Anna maintains an active and professional digital presence, particularly on Twitter (@annarileynews), where she shares her latest reports, community insights, and updates from the field. With nearly 5,000 followers, her platform serves as both a professional outlet and a bridge between her newsroom and the public.
Her bio succinctly describes her identity:
“Yorkshire and Humber reporter @GBNEWS. Got a story? anna.riley@gbnews.uk”
This approachability and engagement reflect her deep commitment to being part of the community she reports on. Her followers see not just the journalist, but the person behind the camera — someone who listens, observes, and gives a voice to ordinary citizens.
Personal Style and Philosophy
Anna Riley’s journalism is defined by empathy, accuracy, and inclusivity. She believes in telling stories that matter — stories that reveal how policy decisions, social changes, or community efforts impact real people. Her balanced reporting style aligns with GB News’ goal of giving a voice to diverse perspectives across the UK.
Her career path, from That’s TV to Hull Daily Mail and GB News, reflects both resilience and adaptability — key traits for any journalist in the 21st century media landscape. Whether reporting from the streets of Hull or broadcasting from a regional event in Leeds, she represents a new generation of journalists who blend traditional reporting ethics with digital innovation.
Conclusion
Anna Riley stands as one of the most promising multimedia journalists in the United Kingdom today. From her award-winning academic background to her dynamic on-air reporting for GB News, she exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and versatility. Her ability to find, film, and frame the stories that matter has earned her respect both from her peers and from the communities she serves.
In a world where journalism is constantly evolving, Anna Riley continues to prove that authentic storytelling and human connection remain at the heart of great reporting. With her ongoing dedication to Yorkshire and Humber, she not only informs but also inspires — reminding audiences that every story, no matter how local, deserves to be heard.
