5 Takeaways From the 2026 TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast Pitches (Downloadable Pitch Analysis Report)
Posted on April 9, 2026
In November 2024, we launched the TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast program. It supports new and emerging video podcasters across British Columbia and Alberta to produce and grow video podcast series, while building community relationships and diving deep into diverse topics. This program provides production funding, training, a community of support and distribution.
Now in its third year, the program continues to gain momentum. In total, 470 pitches from across B.C. and Alberta were submitted to the 2026 TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast program. The submissions reflect a vibrant cross-section of voices and ideas, highlighting the growing interest in video podcasting as a powerful platform for community-driven storytelling.
Across the 2026 intake, creators consistently gravitated toward a focused set of core storytelling drivers. While project ideas varied widely, several themes clearly emerged as dominant creative interests. After reviewing all the pitches, our team identified five of these key themes that surfaced repeatedly throughout.
1. Community and culture
Community and culture accounted for 60% of submissions. Creators were deeply interested in stories that explored topics such as cultural heritage and lived experiences, shared spaces, underrepresented voices and belonging.
2. Modern life and digital experience
Modern life and digital experience were a close second, making up 45% of submissions. Pitches frequently explored topics like technology’s influence on identity and relationships, digital culture, trends, behaviours and how modern systems shape lived experience. These submissions blended personal narratives and cultural commentary with social observations.
3. Career growth and entrepreneurship
Career growth and entrepreneurship emerged as another key theme, accounting for 33% of pitch submissions, from building careers and creative pathways to professional identity and reinvention. The pitches explored personal development and resilience, entrepreneurship and the pursuit of passion projects.
4. Arts, creativity and creative practice
40% of submissions centred on creative industries and artistic journeys, from local creative communities, makers, performers and storytellers and the creative process itself. This indicates a clear interest in not just highlighting artists but exploring the ecosystems that support and inspire them.
5. Place-based and environment-shaped stories
From neighbourhood-level storytelling to broader regional narratives, 22% of submissions also captured the nuances of life across B.C. and Alberta. Many pitches explored the relationship between people and land, while others examined the contrasts between urban and rural experiences.
Want to dive deeper into the data and themes behind the 470 submissions?
We’ve created a downloadable Pitch Analysis Report that offers further insight into the trends, genres and voices behind this Video Podcast program intake.
As we get ready to announce the selections for the 2026 TELUS STORYHIVE Video Podcast program, this report reinforces that clear guidance, flexible support and accessible training are core program design needs—especially for first-time creators.
These insights will continue to inform the evolution of the program as it strengthens pathways for emerging storytellers and builds a supportive ecosystem for original, community-driven content.
Stay tuned on the STORYHIVE blog as we announce the selected video podcasters on April 15, 2026!