Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions for 2026

For public health communicators, the ways audiences access and trust information are shifting faster than ever, driven by generative AI and the rise of personality-led news. A 2026 global survey of media leaders highlights declining engagement with traditional journalism, especially among younger audiences who prefer platforms, influencers, and AI-powered “answer engines.”

Publishers anticipate major drops in search and social referral traffic and are pivoting toward original reporting, human-centered stories, and video and audio formats. While AI offers efficiencies in newsgathering and distribution, it also risks commoditizing general news. These trends emphasize the importance of credible voices, adaptable content, and meeting audiences where they increasingly seek information. Read more from Reuters here.