New research from Human Made and The Media Leader
The Future of Publishing 2026
Hear from over 100 leaders on the impact of AI, shifting revenue models, and the future of the publishing industry.
Register now to receive your copy on publication day.
A first look at the findings
87%
do not feel well-prepared for AI answer engines becoming a main audience route
45%
are pessimistic about the industry’s prospects (yet 70% back their own company to thrive)
only 15%
say their organisation is moving quickly on AI
What’s in the report
- The pressure. Advertising, search and the year ahead.
- The response. Where publishers are investing, and AI licensing.
- AI, inside and out. Answer engines, and why organisations lag their own people.
- Technology as enabler. How platforms hold publishers back.
- Who’s pulling ahead? What sets the fastest movers on AI apart.
- In their own words. Anonymous views from respondents.
- Actions for leaders. Five priorities and the questions to ask.
Based on a survey of 103 people working in publishing and media, run by Human Made and The Media Leader in October 2026. 71% hold director-level roles or above and 70% are based in the UK. The sample is self-selecting, so the findings are indicative rather than representative of the whole industry.
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Research by Human Made & The Media Leader