What ABC Journalists Will Be Watching in 2026
As 2025 closed with dramatic shifts in politics, economics and technology, ABC’s foreign correspondents and global affairs reporters are turning their attention to the year ahead. Their brief is clear: identify the stories that will shape the year, explain the stakes to audiences, and illuminate the human impact behind the headlines. Here’s what they say will be at the top of the watchlist in 2026.
Geopolitics and Power Shifts
Analysts within ABC’s network expect the global balance of power to continue evolving. Watch lists include the realignment of alliances, evolving sanctions regimes, and how major powers interact in arenas such as the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. Reporters anticipate continued diplomacy and friction in parallel tracks: overt negotiations and quiet realignments that will influence trade routes, security commitments, and regional stability. The question for 2026 remains not just who wins a moment, but who sustains influence over long-term policies.
Key themes to follow
- Shifts in alliance dynamics and defense postures
- Diplomatic engagement versus strategic competition
- Human impact of geopolitical decisions on communities abroad
Economic Outlook and Markets
Global economies are navigating inflationary pressures, debt dynamics, and structural changes in energy and technology sectors. ABC reporters will track central banks’ policy shifts, supply chain resilience, and the real-world effects of tariff regimes and trade negotiations. Expect a nuanced picture of growth opportunities offset by risk factors such as commodity price volatility and currency fluctuations. The goal is to explain how macro trends translate into everyday experiences—from jobs to prices at the checkout.
Climate, Energy and the Transition
Climate policy, energy security and the pace of transition will dominate policy debates and private sector decisions. Journalists will examine how governments, utilities and businesses balance emissions targets with energy reliability and affordability. Coverage will span extreme weather, climate finance, and local adaptation efforts, highlighting communities most affected and the innovations driving decarbonization across sectors such as transport, electricity, and manufacturing.
Technology, AI and Regulation
Advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital governance pose both opportunities and governance challenges. ABC teams will assess regulatory responses, ethical considerations, and the practical implications of rapid tech deployment for privacy, labor markets, and national security. Expect reporting that translates technical developments into policy debates and everyday use cases that affect households and businesses alike.
People, Stories and the Human Face of Change
Behind every headline are people navigating disrupted lives. The reporters will continue to foreground stories of workers, students, families, and communities as they adapt to global shifts. This human-centered approach ensures coverage remains grounded in how policy decisions, market dynamics, and tech progress translate into real-world outcomes at home and abroad.
What This Means for Viewers in 2026
Audiences can expect informed, context-rich reporting that connects the dots across regions and sectors. The ABC team emphasizes clarity, verification, and diverse perspectives to help viewers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters and what might come next. The year ahead promises a blend of breaking developments and deeper analysis that supports informed public discourse.
