UPDATE: Reaction to this story, published Monday, prompted us to go back for a few more media insiders to even the field. Read our addendum here. 
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Twitter recently announced that it passed a milestone metric: 50 million tweets a day.
That, of course, includes media insiders, who have gravitated to the medium, not only to promote their work, but to communicate with their readers, rivals and others. If you’re employed in the media industry, following them is essential, giving you quick insights into the topics of the day and, in many cases, tomorrow.
As with any list, this one is by no means exhaustive, and there are many, many essential media Tweeters that were omitted. (And it doesn't include TheWrap's band of merry tweeters, which you can find here.)
Think of it as starting point, if you’re in media and new to Twitter. If you’re not new, there might be a few here you aren’t following, but certainly should.
(See our previous guides: 30 Must-Follow Movie Insiders, 30 Must-Follow Music Insiders, 50 Must-Follow TV Insiders.)
Brian Stelter
Reporter, New York Times
@brianstelter
Why you should follow: With a steady stream of breaking news, crowdsourcing requests and – yes – self-promotion, Stelter is one of the best examples of a journalist leveraging Twitter anywhere – new media or old.
Recent sample tweet: “Breaking on the NYT home page: ‘Abuse Case, Paterson Aide and Questions of Influence.’"
If you do, be prepared for: Weather-related tweets. A lot of them.
Rachel Sklar
Contributing editor, Mediaite
@rachelsklar
Why you should follow: Sklar has become an in-demand media critic, and her tweets are timely, tough when needed and always part of the proverbial “conversation.”
Recent sample tweet: “I actually find this Olbermann thing tiresome. He knows he egregiously misrepresented Dan's relationship - ongoing! - with MSNBC + NBC.”
If you do, be prepared for: Canada-related tweets. A lot of them.
Rex Hammock
CEO, Hammock Publishing
@r
Why you should follow: Hammock, aside from running a custom publishing operation in Nashville, is a serial adopter of new media tools (as evidenced by his one-letter Twitter handle) and has plenty of worthwhile opinions on them, and others.
Recent sample tweet: “Frankly, I think Tony Kornheiser should have been suspended long ago. Just for being Tony Kornheiser.”
If you do, be prepared for: Nashville weather reports and country music star sightings. Frequently.
Michael Calderone
Reporter, Politico
@mlcalderone
Why you should follow: A former New York Observer reporter who decamped to cover media for Politico, Calderone serves up a steady stream of D.C. media news, both his and others.
Recent sample tweet: “Sally Quinn tells me she has 'absolutely no regrets' over controversial column.”
