All through December we’re rolling out an exclusive series of Q&As with the sector’s leading thinkers as they peer into their digital crystal balls and offer their take on what the next 12 months could bring.
Fan Club founder Joe Churchill has today’s 2026 predictions.
What’s the single biggest shift you expect to see in digital-first production and publishing in 2026?
I think we’re going to see a lot of acquisitions, mergers and consolidation across the board. As old school telly continues to pile into the space there will be some interesting developments within the broadcasters and super-indies as they buy up channels, launch new ventures and generally try and play catch up.
Which platform behaviour or algorithm change do you think will matter most next year, and why?
Collab posting on YouTube longform is gonna be a game changer.
Where will your company’s biggest increase in revenue come from in 2026 – CPMs, brand spend, partnerships, new revenue models or something else?
At Fan Club, we’re still very much in the foothills so the only way is up! We’ve obviously bet big on branded entertainment so I expect all our revenue growth to be through brand partnerships.
What creative formats or genres do you think will break out next year?
I think (hope) we’re going to see some magazine-style formats starting to emerge within big established channels and collectives. You could argue that Sidemen already operate a bit like that but I hope we start to see the digital equivalents of SMTV:Live or Soccer AM. God, Remember them, Grandad?
How do you expect the relationship between traditional broadcasters/ distributors and digital-native studios to evolve in 2026?
I think we’ll see more broadcasters following the Channel 4 model of building their own digital studios but it will be interesting to see what the super-indies do, I suspect it won’t be relying on the old commissioning model but also launching or acquiring their own means of distribution. I’ll be watching Sony Pictures and Fremantle with interest after their recent digital hires…
What’s one data point, trend, or move from 2025 that people are underestimating and what does it signal?
The rise of brands becoming broadcasters and growing audiences on their owned and operated channels is underpriced at the moment. But then I would say that, wouldn’t I?
If you could give one piece of advice to producers or creators preparing for 2026’s digital-first landscape, what would it be?
I don’t think creators need any advice from me, but to producers I would say broaden and diversify your skillset and expertise and pick a couple of niches you think you can own. Gone are the days of specialising in one particular genre or role, the producers who are blazing a trail in digital are a ‘Swiss army knife of experience’ who can pivot from development to exec producing to picking up a camera. Multi-purpose teams and increased agility doesn’t mean sacrificing quality – it can often be the key ingredient for success.
Anything else to add?!
2025 has been turbulent to say the least but the future is bright! For those of us who have been in the digital production space for a while it feels like it’s maturing finally gaining the recognition it deserves within the wider industry whilst still having the dynamism that makes it an exciting place to be.
