Ashna Hurynag – The Inspiring British Journalist Redefining Storytelling at Sky News
In the dynamic world of British journalism, Ashna Hurynag has emerged as a respected and admired voice. Known for her sharp storytelling, empathy-driven reporting, and tireless work ethic, Hurynag represents the new generation of broadcasters who combine digital fluency with a strong sense of social responsibility. As a Correspondent at Sky News, she has covered a wide spectrum of national and social issues — from breaking news and crime investigations to stories of resilience and human spirit.
Her journey, marked by passion, perseverance, and purpose, showcases how determination and authenticity can shape a career in a highly competitive industry. This article explores Ashna Hurynag’s biography, her education, professional milestones, awards, personal background, and the qualities that make her one of the most compelling figures in modern British journalism.
Early Life and Education of Ashna Hurynag
A Background Rooted in Diversity
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Ashna Hurynag comes from a culturally rich Tamil and Bengali heritage. Her parents, who have often been referenced in her personal reflections, played a vital role in supporting her ambitions. Ashna has shared heartfelt moments about their sacrifices and influence, emphasising how her upbringing instilled resilience, humility, and respect for community storytelling.
From an early age, she displayed a deep curiosity for current affairs and a fascination with human-interest stories. These interests naturally led her towards journalism—a profession where empathy and communication meet purpose.
Academic Excellence
Ashna’s educational path is a testament to her dedication to both academia and media. She attended Collyer’s Sixth Form College, where her interest in English and media studies first flourished. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Royal Holloway, University of London, between 2011 and 2014.
During her time at university, she became an active member of the Media Society, Insanity Radio 103.2 FM, and Rhubarb TV, where she served as Station Manager. Her leadership at Rhubarb TV demonstrated her ability to manage production teams, plan editorial content, and maintain quality under pressure—skills that would later prove invaluable in broadcast journalism.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she continued her studies at City, University of London, earning a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism (with Distinction) in 2015. This academic distinction not only validated her technical skills but also marked her entry into professional broadcasting.
The Start of a Journalism Career
From Intern to Emerging Broadcaster
Ashna Hurynag’s journey began with internships and freelance opportunities that gave her first-hand exposure to the fast-paced world of media. She interned with Bauer Media Group in 2014, contributing to entertainment coverage for outlets like KISS FM, Magic FM, and Heat World. She was involved in red-carpet interviews, music festival coverage, and celebrity reporting—an experience that refined her editing, production, and on-camera confidence.
Her early broadcast work reflected her creative versatility. She was entrusted with filming and editing interviews with artists such as Cher Lloyd, The Vamps, and John Newman at major UK festivals. This period showcased her technical command of Adobe Creative Cloud, Premiere Pro, and Audition, alongside her growing editorial judgment.
BBC and the First Major Breakthrough
In 2015, Hurynag joined the BBC as a Freelance Researcher for the acclaimed programme Inside Out South East. Working alongside senior journalists, she was responsible for researching story ideas, logging footage, and supporting production for television and radio segments. This experience taught her the craft of investigative research and the importance of accuracy and ethical journalism.
ITV News: Building a National Reputation
After her tenure at the BBC, Ashna Hurynag joined ITV News West Country in September 2015 as a Production Journalist. During this time, she honed her on-air presence and storytelling across regional bulletins. She quickly moved from behind-the-scenes production to presenting and field reporting.
Her skills expanded to cover a wide array of topics — from politics and social issues to community events and breaking incidents. She was instrumental in co-producing The West Country Debate, a monthly political programme that tackled regional concerns and public accountability.
In 2018, she became a News Reporter for ITV Cymru Wales and later joined ITV’s Content Hub, contributing to national broadcasts. Her ability to adapt her tone for diverse audiences made her one of the most promising journalists in the ITV network. She gained national visibility for her human-interest pieces and in-depth coverage of consumer and social issues.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed. By 2019, she had earned multiple recognitions including:
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Royal Television Society (RTS) Southern Best Newcomer Award (2019)
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Asian Media Awards Finalist – Regional Journalist of the Year (2019)
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30 to Watch: Young Journalists Awards (2019)
These accolades positioned her as one of the rising stars in UK journalism.
Sky News: A Voice of Authority and Empathy
Joining Sky News
In January 2020, Ashna Hurynag joined Sky News as a Correspondent, marking a pivotal point in her career. She became a familiar face to millions of viewers across the UK, reporting from the frontlines of breaking stories, social justice movements, and national events.
Reporting Style and Signature Coverage
Ashna is celebrated for her empathetic storytelling—a style that prioritises human experience and dignity. Her coverage of issues such as domestic abuse, youth violence, housing challenges, and community resilience reflects a balance between investigative depth and compassion.
Notably, her report on a teenage domestic abuse survivor, based on data from the charity Refuge, highlighted her commitment to giving a voice to the unheard. Her work often bridges traditional reporting and digital storytelling, engaging audiences on television, social media, and podcasts alike.
Her assignments have also taken her across the country to cover crime, protest movements, and political developments. Whether interviewing grieving families, analysing court outcomes, or reporting live from unfolding events, Hurynag brings composure, clarity, and credibility to her work.
Awards, Recognitions, and Professional Impact
Ashna’s consistent excellence has earned her a series of awards and nominations that underscore her status as a respected journalist:
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Journalist of the Year (Finalist, 2025) – Asian Media Awards
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John Schofield Trust Fellow (2022) – Recognising her mentorship and contribution to journalism ethics
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Regional Journalist of the Year Finalist (2019) – Asian Media Awards
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RTS Southern Best Newcomer (Winner, 2019) – Royal Television Society
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Outstanding Young Journalist Finalist (2018) – Asian Media Awards
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Flying Futures Award (2016) – Royal Television Society West of England
These honours reflect her ability to produce work that not only informs but also inspires. Her peers frequently describe her as a grafter, team player, and truth-driven communicator.
Personal Life, Husband and Background
While Ashna maintains a professional public profile, she has occasionally shared glimpses of her personal life. In August 2023, she celebrated her marriage in Nice, France, surrounded by friends and colleagues from the media industry.
Parents
She also shares a close bond with her parents and brother, acknowledging their sacrifices in shaping her journey. Her Tamil-Bengali heritage enriches her worldview and deepens her connection to stories about culture, identity, and belonging.
Despite her growing fame, Ashna remains grounded. Her humility, integrity, and belief in community storytelling make her a role model for aspiring journalists.
Work Philosophy: Journalism with a Purpose
Ashna Hurynag embodies a rare combination of empathy and professionalism. Her approach to journalism goes beyond headlines; she focuses on real people, real impact, and real change. She often says that she is happiest “on the ground, hearing from those with something to say.”
Her storytelling is guided by three principles:
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Truth and transparency – Delivering verified, balanced reporting.
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Empathy and respect – Giving space to marginalised voices.
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Adaptability – Mastering storytelling across TV, digital, and social platforms.
In an age of misinformation and fast-paced news cycles, Ashna’s authenticity helps audiences trust her voice — a rare and invaluable quality in modern journalism.
Social Media and Influence
Ashna’s social media presence—particularly through @ashnatv on Instagram and @ashnahurynag on X (formerly Twitter)—reflects her professional and personal sides. She uses these platforms not just for updates, but to connect with communities, highlight social causes, and inspire young journalists, especially women of colour entering the media industry.
Her content often shows behind-the-scenes glimpses of reporting life, insights from the newsroom, and thoughtful reflections on the responsibility of journalists today.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Ashna Hurynag
Ashna Hurynag represents the very best of British journalism—intelligent, compassionate, and socially conscious. From her early days at Royal Holloway and ITV to her prominent role at Sky News, she has built a career rooted in integrity and human connection.
Her Tamil-Bengali heritage, academic excellence, and relentless work ethic form the foundation of a journalist who not only tells stories but uplifts them. As she continues to report on the pressing issues of crime, society, and justice, Ashna Hurynag stands as a beacon of truth in an era that needs it most.
In every sense, she has proven that the future of journalism is not just about delivering the news—it is about delivering impact.
