Hearst Networks has launched a venture to develop original and scalable content brands in digital, audio and emerging platforms, especially on YouTube.
The new platform,
Hearst Canvas, will be based at Hearst Networks’ London offices. Hearst Networks is seeking a creative director, who will lead editorial development, talent management, publishing and commercial
partnerships. Production will be outsourced.
The first productions are expected to launch early in 2026.
The idea for Hearst
Canvas was inspired by the success of Hearst Networks offerings like Cut to the Crime, History Crush and Two Sides of History.
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“Hearst Canvas is an incredibly exciting development
for our company: it represents a completely new opportunity to continue to grow our creative ambition by originating digitally-native content for YouTube and other social platforms,” says
Heather Jones, chief creative officer EMEA at Hearst Networks. “This is about testing bravely, learning fast and unlocking new revenue-generating opportunities in the social and on-demand
spaces, where audiences are increasingly choosing to spend their time.’’
Jones adds: "We plan to commission an ambitious slate of unscripted titles to trial
as wide a range of shows as possible and give ourselves the best chance of success in this high-growth space. We’re open for ideas, open for commercial partnerships and ready to
experiment.”