Hearst Networks EMEA is expanding its new digital content studio, Hearst Canvas, with the recruitment of a channel manager – as it prepares to launch its first portfolio of social-first video brands.
Hearst Canvas was established as Hearst Networks’ digitally native content studio, focused on creating original brands across social media, audio and emerging platforms, with YouTube at the centre of its strategy. The studio is designed to develop scalable, platform-first content through a test-and-learn approach spanning editorial, production, publishing and partnerships.
The new channel manager will oversee publishing, optimisation, audience growth, analytics and community management across Hearst Canvas’ social video brands. The role also includes responsibility for platform strategy, ensuring channels remain aligned with changing algorithms, audience behaviour and emerging formats.
Sam Pearson, executive producer and digital commissioner at Hearst Networks EMEA, said: “We’re approaching an exciting milestone as our first social-first brands get ready to launch. We’re looking for someone who can help build engaged audiences from day one and play a key role as we continue to grow Hearst Canvas and develop new formats for the future.”
Pearson works alongside creative director Danny Baggott in shaping Hearst Canvas’s output and strategy. He has not provided any details of the planned channels but, to date, Hearst Networks EMEA and Hearst Canvas have been most prolific in genres such as true crime, crime adjacent content, history and human-interest docs. The group won an award at the 2026 Digital Video Awards for History Crush (pictured).
Hearst Canvas operates as a hybrid team, based in Hammersmith, London, with staff working from the office two days a week. Candidates are expected to have at least three years’ experience managing and growing YouTube and social video channels, alongside expertise in audience development, analytics and platform optimisation.
