As we close out the first month of 2026, we’re already seeing some shifts taking place across the industry – or at least early signals of potential disruptors for the rest of the year. Below, members of the DBC team share their takes on what we might (or might not) see in 2026, followed by a personal resolution they’re setting for themselves this year.
Prediction:
“We will see standard industry badges or watermarks for AI-generated content become the norm, not because the law forces it (though it should), but because consumers will demand to know what is synthetic and what is real.”
Resolution:
“My resolution for the year is to create more space for deep, strategic thinking. I’m aiming to focus on work that drives long-term impact for both our clients and DBC itself.”
Prediction:
“It will take the year but we will see a rise in small, independent creative agencies. There is too much talent being left on the sideline, and I anticipate brands having a desire to get away from AI and back to originality provided by these independents.”
Resolution:
“Listen to an album I have never heard before at least once every week. Music is my creative outlet and where I find inspiration.”
Prediction:
“Not the hottest take, I know, but I think we will see at least 2 more streaming providers either (try to) consolidate or re-brand this year. Shall we place bets on which one(s)?”
Resolution:
“I’m trying to increase my ‘for-fun’ reading to 30 books this year (up from the 20 I read in 2025). It can’t be eyes glued to the ad trades ALL the time!”
Prediction:
“I think we’re going to see more of a shift towards independent journalism and reporters staking out on their own, whether it be on Beehiiv, Substack or Ghost. As PR experts, it will cause us to rethink how we approach media and will really put an emphasis on our reporter relationships.”
Resolution:
“Visit one or two new national parks. I want to hit all 63 parks in my lifetime and was able to check a few off last year, so I want to keep that momentum going.”
Prediction:
“We are already seeing this start to happen, but I think 2026 will be the year that podcasts earn its rightful place in the mainstream media mix. As video and audio increasingly converge, podcasts will become a core part of brand storytelling and audience reach.“
Resolution:
“This year, I want to focus on being more mindful with how I spend my time unwinding–spending less time mindlessly scrolling and defaulting to screens and putting more energy into things that recharge me and inspire me!“
Prediction:
“PR will be less about chasing big placements and will focus more on showing up consistently in the spaces and communities where people already trust each other.“
Resolution:
“My resolution is to prioritize things outside of work that fuel me creatively, starting with getting back into acting. I just took my first class in five years!“