The Unfiltered Truth: 7 Ways V Spehar's Under The Desk News Is Redefining Digital Journalism In 2025

Under the Desk News (UTDN), the viral phenomenon created by Vitus "V" Spehar, continues to solidify its position as one of the most trusted and essential sources of news for the Gen Z and Millennial generations in 2025. Launched during the chaotic early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, UTDN has blossomed from a simple TikTok series into a multi-platform media powerhouse, offering a "soft landing" for complex, often overwhelming headlines. The brand's enduring success is rooted in V Spehar’s unique ability to deliver sharp commentary and complex political topics with an approachable, empathetic, and independent journalistic voice. As of late 2025, V Spehar’s work is not only thriving but is also being formally recognized by the media establishment it seeks to disrupt, including a major award win and high-profile involvement in the 2024 political cycle. Their expansion into long-form podcasting and Substack newsletters proves that the demand for their brand of accessible, non-intimidating news is greater than ever, positioning them as a critical figure in the future of digital journalism.

Vitus "V" Spehar: Biography and Professional Profile

Vitus "V" Spehar is an American digital journalist, podcaster, content creator, and political advocate, best known as the creator and host of Under the Desk News (UTDN). They are a Rochester-based multimedia freelance journalist whose career trajectory is a case study in the power of independent journalism on modern digital platforms.

• Full Name: Vitus Spehar
• Known As: V Spehar, "V"
• Primary Platform: TikTok (UnderTheDeskNews)
• Launch Date of UTDN: April 2020
• Core Mission: To make news media less intimidating and easier to understand, especially for younger audiences who are often overwhelmed by "doomscrolling."
• Podcast: V Interesting with V Spehar (in partnership with Lemonada Media)
• Newsletter: Under the Desk News on Substack
• Key Recognition & Awards (2024–2025): Winner of "News Creator of the Year" at the 17th Annual Shorty Awards (2024); Finalist for a GLAAD Media Award; Featured as a keynote speaker at major events like Social Media Week 2025 and Ragan Communications events.
• Political Access: Has conducted one-on-one interviews with high-profile figures including Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, and former President Barack Obama.
• Professional Affiliations: Member of SAG-AFTRA.

The 2024-2025 Media Evolution: From TikTok to the DNC Floor

The latest chapter in the UTDN story is defined by V Spehar’s successful transition from a TikTok-only personality to a recognized voice in traditional media spaces, bringing their unique perspective to a wider audience. This evolution highlights a fundamental shift in how news is created and consumed.

1. Major Award Recognition: The Shorty Awards Win

The most significant recent validation of V Spehar’s impact came in 2024 when they were named "News Creator of the Year" at the prestigious 17th Annual Shorty Awards. This award formally recognizes the brand’s success in cutting through the noise and delivering essential information. For an independent creator who built their platform from scratch, this recognition signals that the media industry is finally acknowledging the credibility and reach of citizen journalists operating on digital platforms like TikTok.

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2. Influencing the Political Landscape: 2024 DNC Coverage

A major highlight of the 2024 political season was V Spehar’s presence and coverage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Spehar was part of a select group of social media influencers and content creators invited to the convention floor, a move that underscores how political parties are increasingly relying on digital personalities to communicate directly with younger voters. Their on-the-ground reporting provided a raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal look at the convention, contrasting sharply with traditional cable news coverage and further cementing their role as a trusted intermediary for Gen Z.

3. The Deep Dive: "V Interesting" Podcast Success

While the minute-long TikTok format is UTDN's foundation, V Spehar recognized the need for a space to tackle complex, evergreen "Big Issues" that require more than a minute of sharp commentary. The weekly podcast, V Interesting with V Spehar, in partnership with Lemonada Media, serves this purpose. The show allows V to go deeper into topics, offering a thoughtful, long-form analysis that complements the fast-paced nature of their short-form news updates. The podcast has been consistently updated as of late 2025, proving its sustained popularity and the audience's appetite for deeper context.

The UTDN Method: How V Spehar is Transforming News Consumption

The success of Under the Desk News is not accidental; it’s built on a deliberate strategy that directly addresses the pain points of modern news consumption, particularly for younger demographics who are wary of sensationalism and corporate media bias.

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4. Combating Doomscrolling with Empathy

V Spehar’s signature style is defined by a commitment to providing a "soft landing" for difficult news. They tackle heavy subjects—from global conflicts and legislative changes to complex economic policies—but frame them with empathy and a focus on actionable understanding. This approach helps to alleviate the anxiety and burnout associated with "doomscrolling," turning a potentially intimidating news cycle into a manageable, educational experience. This focus on mental well-being alongside information delivery is a hallmark of their independent journalism.

5. The Power of Independent, Creator-Led Media

By operating primarily outside of traditional newsroom structures, V Spehar maintains a level of independence that resonates strongly with their audience. The UTDN brand is a testament to the fact that credibility in the digital age is often built on authenticity and directness, rather than institutional affiliation. This creator-led model contrasts with the hierarchical nature of legacy media, allowing for rapid, flexible, and highly personal reporting. This successful model has sparked broader conversations about how newsrooms can and should take content creators more seriously.

6. Platform Expansion: The Substack Strategy

To ensure content longevity and direct communication, UTDN has a robust presence on Substack. This newsletter platform allows V Spehar to bypass algorithm changes and provide their most dedicated subscribers with written analysis, links to sources, and deeper dives into the topics they cover on TikTok and the podcast. The Substack is a key component of their multimedia strategy, providing a stable, reader-supported foundation for their work.

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7. Bridging the Generational Divide in Political Advocacy

V Spehar’s work is not just about reporting; it’s about political advocacy through clarity. By simplifying complex legislative and electoral processes, they empower a generation often marginalized by confusing political jargon. Their interviews with figures like President Biden and their presence at the DNC demonstrate their ability to bridge the gap between high-level politics and the everyday concerns of young Americans, making them a crucial voice in the ongoing dialogue about democracy and civic engagement.