Creativity. Connection. Reinvention — A first look at the 2026 Yearbook
We were thrilled to announce in February that Helen Freeman FRSA would be joining the Foundation as Editor of the Children’s Media Yearbook, working alongside Hannie Kirkham in the challenge to make the “book of record” for another year. Helen is a publisher and children’s literacy campaigner. Here she gives us a taster of the 2026 edition, which will be published in July.
Few industries combine imagination, influence, and responsibility in quite the same way as children’s media. It is a space where what we create truly matters and where the impact can last a lifetime. It is a real privilege to step into the role of Editor for this year’s Children’s Media Yearbook.
Having spent my career in children’s publishing and media, I have always believed this is one of the most creative, purposeful and genuinely joyful places to work. It’s an industry shaped by imagination, driven by care, and filled with people who are deeply committed to making a positive difference in children’s lives. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside many of them, and to be close to some truly exceptional initiatives along the way.
This year, we wanted to bring a sense of focus and cohesion to the Yearbook by introducing a unifying theme: Finding the way: creativity, connection and reinvention in children’s media. It feels both timely and necessary. The past 12 months have brought continued change, not just in how content is created, distributed and discovered, but in how children experience and engage with media in their everyday lives.
Across the chapters that follow, we explore this evolving landscape from multiple angles. We begin by reflecting on the shifts that are shaping children’s media today, surfacing key trends, tensions, and opportunities. From there, we turn to the enduring power of creativity, imagination and play as vital forces at the heart of meaningful content and experiences for children.
We then explore identity and belonging, and why it matters so deeply that children can see themselves, recognise their experiences, and feel a sense of connection in the stories and media they encounter. Representation is not simply about visibility; it is about validation, understanding, and inclusion.
Children’s wellbeing in a digital world is another central focus this year. At a time when concerns around screen use and social media are front of mind, we also ask what good looks like and the role children’s media can play in supporting wellbeing in ways that are thoughtful, intentional, and empowering.
Alongside this, we spotlight innovation across the sector including the ideas, formats and technologies that are opening up new possibilities and challenging us to think differently. And we close, as ever, with a celebration of the brands, creators and individuals who continue to make this such a vibrant and inspiring industry.
On a personal note, joining the Children’s Media Foundation community has been an absolute joy. It has been a pleasure to connect with so many thoughtful, generous, and passionate people, and to work together to shape the themes and content of this year’s edition. The range of voices brought together here is something I’m incredibly proud of.
We are also introducing some new features this year including an ‘at a glance’ industry infographic, and a series of Q&A ‘talking heads’ designed to surface fresh perspectives on the issues that matter most.
Above all, I hope this Yearbook reflects the very best of children’s media — its creativity, its care, and its enduring power to shape lives, open minds and inspire what comes next.
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