Journalists are often seen as writing the first draft of history. In 2025, media itself increasingly became the focus of news stories about political, economic and social developments that impact how journalists do their work. Public relations professionals, who rely on reporters to help raise the profile and impact of clients, should be mindful of these six journalism trends to watch as we turn the page to 2026.
- The Evolution of Outlets. The media landscape will continue to change in ways that were previously thought impossible. While 2025 was an admittedly tough year for traditional news outlets, look for continued growth of nonprofit news outlets in 2026. There are more than 400 nonprofit news organizations and their numbers and revenue are growing, bringing coverage to areas hard hit by the closure of media outlets. Podcasts continue to be popular news destinations with a third of adults getting at least some of their news from them. News influencers will continue to have an increased voice with 21% of adults (38% of people ages 18-29) telling Pew Research they regularly look to news influencers on social media. Public relations professionals will need to be nimble and expansive in creating lists of media outlets, including substack and social media through which to reach reporters.
- An Uncertain Future for Public Television and Radio. Although NPR and PBS stations saw record donation surges after Congress cut funding in July, donations alone can’t possibly make up for the loss of $1.1B dollars in funding. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will completely close shop in early 2026. This may widen already voluminous news deserts and escalate the trend of public relations professionals having fewer traditional news outlets in which to get stories placed.
- The Independence of the FCC. Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, may have just said the quiet part out loud to a congressional committee, suggesting the FCC is no longer independent. The word “independent” was even removed from the FCC website. According to Carr, broadcast outlets have an obligation to create content that “serves the public interest.” It is worth watching how active President Donald Trump, and by extension the FCC, will be in establishing their definition of what constitutes serving the public interest and how strongly to go after those they see as being in violation of their definition..
- More Media Mergers and Lawsuits. Who owns a network is increasingly having an impact on their news departments.The ultimate victor of the Warner Brothers sale could influence the coverage of networks it currently owns including CNN. Look no further than CBS News, which named the more conservative Bari Weiss as Editor in Chief after it was acquired by Paramount in October. Lawsuits will also continue to have repercussions for the media. The BBC is vowing to defend itself against the $10B lawsuit President Trump filed against the institution on December 15 over the editing of a January 6 documentary. In early December the New York Times filed suit against the Pentagon over new restrictions on reporting about the military that inspired dozens of reporters to turn in their Pentagon press badges in October. Replacing those reporters with right wing influencers in the Pentagon press corps has made it more difficult, but not impossible, for those unwilling to accept the new restrictions to cover stories such as U.S. air strikes against suspected drug boats.
- The Rising Impact of AI. Artificial intelligence has its fingers in just about everyone’s career pot right now and we’re just glimpsing the potential for its continued growth and influence. A University of Maryland study found 9% of news articles were written by AI (there is regional variation, with just 3% AI written articles in Massachusetts). Merriam Webster named “slop” (sketchy AI generated digital content) as 2026 word of the year. In 2026 it will be more important than ever for news consumers to apply a critical eye to content that doesn’t make sense, is overtly aimed at evoking emotion or comes from an unproven source. Also, since AI has the benefit of making certain administrative tasks and research easier and more efficient, people in all impacted industries including public relations would be wise to find ways to use that saved time for the valuable analysis, strategic thinking, and creativity only humans can provide.
- Digital is King – An estimated 86% of American adults get at least some of their news from a smartphone, computer or tablet. Some television stations have whole teams devoted to creating content designed to be seen digitally. Communicators will need to continue to shape the content they offer to news outlets in a way that is compatible with sharing online and through social media.
Keeping up with journalism trends is more than an interest for many public relations professionals. It’s a passion and a requirement for sustained success.
