As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

Just over four in five people trust local news, a UK poll has found. As Britons increasingly look for transparency, truth, and representation from the media, brands that reflect a sense of local identity can resonate with news readers and build a sense of trust in a space where it's lacking.

Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have launched Artifact, a curated news app driven by AI. While taking cues from the vertical video revolution currently taking over social platforms, it aims to go beyond personalisation by redefining the online reading experience altogether.

As younger generations seek out news beyond traditional TV networks, they’re looking for authentic and expert voices to cut across the partisan divide and offer informed takes on issues. Broadcasting over YouTube, The Hill’s Rising combines accessible formats with expert analysis.

The pandemic accelerated the transition from print to digital for many newspaper brands. While this evolution has its perks, what might be lost in the process? Canvas8 spoke to Shuhua Zhou and Damon Kiesow to find out how the power of communication within print can translate to digital.