Award-winning journalist and podcaster Catherine Carr will deliver the Opening Keynote at The Children’s Media Conference 2026 on Tuesday 7 July in Sheffield City Hall, focussing on her deep and personal understanding of the way young people are coping with the real world and digital pressure.

As the kids’ media industry endures the stresses of critical change – including government debate on the digital future for young people – Catherine’s unique insights into the hearts and minds of kids will set the agenda for a CMC that aims to not only Find the Funding but also Find the Audience. Her contribution will bring a fresh and critical perspective to this year’s conference on the national conversation around social media bans for children.

Catherine is an award-winning radio presenter and producer, with over 20 years’ experience in audio. She reported for and produced Woman’s Hour for BBC Radio 4, before going freelance to make documentaries and podcasts. She created and produced Talking Politics, presented and produced Where Are You Going? – in which she talked to strangers all over the world from 2014 until 2025.

Greg Childs OBE, Editorial Director at CMC says:

“The business of children’s media has never been so volatile. Being creative in the kids’ space was always a struggle, but uncertainties and rapidly shifting scenarios make it harder than ever. CMC is there to help the people that serve kids and young people be the best they can be. What we do matters, so join us in Sheffield to get loud and proud about it!”

Recognising the current economic stress on the industry CMC has reduced ticket prices for 2026. Freelancers, companies of two or less and under 30s can all access a new early bird ticket at just £295+VAT.

CMC’s 2026 event will include a packed schedule of masterclasses and panels tackling the urgent, current and evolving issues facing the children’s media industry and young audiences.

Highlights from the schedule include:

• Finding the Funding: A new, timely strand which will focus on new ways of doing business.
• Question Time: Following up on the Select Committee Inquiry, The BBC Charter Review process, and the government consultation on children’s digital futures.
• Changemaker Debate: Hearing from young people — do they want to Ban…or Build Better?
• Two Pitch Sessions: Including a second session emphasizing European co-production in Put Euro Money Where Your Mouth Is.
• International Exchange: More buyers, commissioners, and distributor/producers from around the world are being invited to the market day on Tuesday 7 July.

Tickets for CMC 2026 are now on sale, with the Early Bird discount open to all until 5 May. Details on registration and delegate pass rates are available here.