Hearst Networks launches YouTube-focused venture

Hearst Networks in EMEA is preparing to commission an “ambitious slate” of unscripted shows via a newly launched digital development division, Broadcast International has learned.

Hearst Canvas will develop original IP and brands that will be launched across digital, audio and social platforms, with a particular focus on YouTube.

The division will be wholly owned by Hearst Networks and is to be based out of the company’s London office, with a dedicated team of digital creatives being employed.

Editorial development, talent management, publishing, and commercial partnerships will be led by a creative director, for whom the recruitment process is underway, while production will be outsourced to UK indies.

Heather Jones, chief creative officer for EMEA at Hearst Networks, told Broadcast International that the new unit represented “a completely new opportunity” to expand its creative output.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Hearst Canvas is currently in its start-up phase, with first productions slated to launch in early 2026. Parent Hearst Networks owns and operates fact ent brands such as The History Channel, Blaze and Crime+Investigation across EMEA.

The launch of Hearst Canvas follows recent mid-form commissions such as Cut to the Crime, History Crush, and Two Sides of History, the latter revealed by Broadcast earlier this year.

Hearst Networks worked on the shows with companies including Fawkes Digital, Doc Hearts and Eline van der Velden’s Particle6, the latter outfit behind the recent AI talent Tilly Norwood.