Ava Evans (often known as Ava Santina) is a prominent British political journalist and correspondent currently serving as a lead figure at PoliticsJOE, where she specializes in parliamentary reporting and digital-first news broadcasting. She first gained widespread industry recognition as the lead producer for the James O’Brien program on LBC Radio, where she managed high-pressure broadcasts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, Evans has become a central figure in discussions regarding media ethics and misogyny following a highly publicized 2023 incident involving Laurence Fox on GB News. As of 2026, she remains a vital voice in UK political commentary, frequently appearing on outlets such as Good Morning Britain and BBC local radio to demystify Westminster politics for younger audiences.
Early Life and Academic Background
Ava Evans pursued her higher education at the University of Sussex, where she balanced her third-year studies with the grueling schedule of an assistant producer at LBC. During this period, she reportedly maintained a 2:50 AM wake-up call to manage her production responsibilities before attending lectures.
This work ethic defined her early career; upon graduation, she transitioned from a part-time role at Waitrose to a full-time position at Global. Her time at Sussex provided the theoretical foundation for her later work in “storytelling” journalism, which she frequently utilizes to explain complex legislative issues to the public.
Career at LBC and the Pandemic
Ava’s tenure at LBC (Leading Britain’s Conversation) was marked by her role as the lead producer for James O’Brien. For over two years, she was responsible for the editorial direction of one of the UK’s most listened-to mid-morning radio shows.
During the 2020-2021 pandemic, Evans describes her role as akin to working for a “public service broadcaster.” She spent upwards of 20 hours a day verifying fast-paced government information and communicating with the civil service to provide clarity to a panicked public. This period is often cited as the crucible that refined her ability to handle high-stakes political breaking news.
Transition to PoliticsJOE
In October 2021, Ava joined PoliticsJOE, a digital news outlet aimed at capturing a younger, social-media-savvy demographic. Alongside editor Oli Dugmore, she played a pivotal role in securing the outlet’s first Westminster pass, allowing for direct access to the parliamentary lobby.
Her work at JOE is characterized by a “completely self-sufficient” approach, where she pitches, produces, and presents her own documentaries. Notable projects include her coverage of the French riots and investigative features on industrial decline in Wales, moving beyond “top-line” news to provide deeper context.
The 2023 GB News Incident
In September 2023, Ava Evans became the subject of a national conversation regarding media standards following a live broadcast on GB News. During an episode of Dan Wootton Tonight, guest Laurence Fox made a series of derogatory and misogynistic remarks directed at Evans, questioning her professional credibility and personal character.
The incident led to the immediate suspension and eventual dismissal of both Fox and Wootton from the network. It also triggered an Ofcom investigation and a broader debate about the protection of female journalists from targeted abuse in the digital and broadcast age. Evans received widespread support from across the political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and various parliamentary figures.
Media Philosophy and Commentating
Beyond her reporting for PoliticsJOE, Ava is a frequent political commentator. She often appears on Good Morning Britain and various BBC local radio stations to perform “paper reviews” and explain the “politics of the day” in an accessible, non-partisan manner.
She relies heavily on digital communities for story discovery, frequently citing Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) as primary sources for identifying emerging trends, such as upcoming transport strikes. Her philosophy centers on “democratizing” political news—taking the often-impenetrable language of Westminster and making it relevant to the everyday lives of her viewers.
Practical Information and Professional Profile
For those following Ava Evans’ work or looking to engage with her professional output in 2026:
Current Role: Political Correspondent at PoliticsJOE.
Primary Beat: Westminster Politics, Social Issues, and Industrial Reporting.
Media Appearances: Good Morning Britain, LBC (Guest), BBC Local Radio.
Awards & Recognition: Nominee for various digital journalism awards; Speaker at the 2024 SPA National Conference.
Social Media: Most active on X and Instagram under the handle @AvaSantina.
Daily Routine: Often starts her workday at 5:30 AM for early morning media rounds and parliamentary briefings.
FAQs
What is Ava Evans’ real name?
She is professionally known as both Ava Evans and Ava Santina. “Santina” is often used in her social media handles and specific broadcast credits.
Where does Ava Evans work now?
As of 2026, she is a Political Correspondent for PoliticsJOE, a digital news platform owned by JOE.co.uk.
What happened with Ava Evans and Laurence Fox?
In 2023, Laurence Fox made misogynistic comments about Evans on GB News. This resulted in Fox’s dismissal from the station and a major Ofcom investigation into broadcast standards.
Is Ava Evans a radio producer?
She began her career as a radio producer at LBC, specifically for the James O’Brien show, before transitioning into on-camera political reporting.
Where did Ava Evans go to university?
She attended the University of Sussex, where she balanced her degree with early career roles at Global and LBC.
What are Ava Evans’ most famous documentaries?
She is widely praised for her work on the Port Talbot steelworks crisis and her on-the-ground reporting of the Paris riots.
What is her role at PoliticsJOE?
She is a Lead Correspondent, responsible for parliamentary reporting, hosting podcasts, and producing long-form video content for their YouTube and social channels.
Does Ava Evans appear on Good Morning Britain?
Yes, she is a regular guest commentator on GMB, typically participating in the early morning news and newspaper review segments.
How does Ava Evans find her news stories?
She utilizes “digital listening,” curating lists on Reddit and X to monitor niche interests (like rail enthusiasts) that often signal larger political or social movements.
How can I follow Ava Evans?
You can find her daily updates on X (Twitter) @AvaSantina or via the PoliticsJOE YouTube channel and website.
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