DGA Group Launches 2026 Global Channel Index on the Social Platforms Driving Corporate Impact

• A new report on the social platforms driving corporate impact shows that social strategies are consolidating as organisations rethink how and where to reach key audiences 

• LinkedIn remains the anchor for corporate reputation as AI, algorithms, and audience fragmentation reshape online credibility 

London — July 9, 2026 — DGA Group, an expert-led advisory firm, today launched The DGA Global Channel Index 2026: The Social Platforms Driving Impact With Corporate Audiences, a new report examining how global organisations should assess and prioritise social and digital channels in a rapidly changing information environment. 

Drawing on proprietary surveys of communications leaders, journalists, and human resources professionals, the report finds that corporate social strategies are consolidating rather than expanding. Social platforms remain important points of connection, but owned channels are becoming strategic infrastructure where organisations can explain their positions, provide evidence, and build trust. 

The report identifies LinkedIn as the clear centre of gravity for visibility, positioning, and engagement with corporate audiences. Beyond LinkedIn, no clear second platform has emerged, making the right channel mix increasingly dependent on audience, geography, and use case. 

The report finds that AI is changing the value of social media, rather than replacing it. As stakeholders increasingly use AI tools, search summaries, and chatbots to form views about companies, brands, and issues, social and digital channels are becoming part of the source layer that determines how organisations are interpreted. This raises the stakes for communications teams to ensure corporate information is accurate, current, and attributable across owned, social, and third-party sources. 

“Corporate communications has entered a new phase and the role of social media is changing,” said Ben Lewis, Partner at DGA Group. “For organisations, the priority is not to be everywhere. It is to be coherent, credible, and findable in the places that matter most to their audiences. As AI is already shaping how information is discovered and summarised, clear and attributable corporate content becomes increasingly vital for successful reputation management.” 

Some of the key findings include: 

• LinkedIn remains the anchor platform for executive visibility, corporate positioning, and key audience engagement. 

• No clear second platform has emerged, with the right channel mix increasingly dependent on audience, geography, and use case.  

• Corporate social strategies are consolidating, with 73% of communications teams saying they have not launched any new corporate social profiles in the past year. 

• AI is changing the value of social media, making accuracy, attribution, and digital hygiene central to reputation management. 

• Among heads of communications, 60% say they use AI tools regularly or occasionally, suggesting AI is becoming part of mainstream communications workflows. 

• Two-thirds of heads of communications say LinkedIn is the channel they use or value most for CEO and executive communications. 

• Among journalists, 41% use X to source stories, though concerns about information quality, misinformation, and brand safety continue to affect the platform’s role. 

To download the full DGA Global Channel Index 2026, click HERE. 

About DGA Group 

DGA Group is a global advisory firm that helps clients protect – and grow – what they have built in today’s complex business environment. We understand the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly regulated and interconnected world. Leveraging the experience and expertise of Albright Stonebridge Group, a leader in global strategy and commercial diplomacy, and a deep bench of communications, public affairs, and government relations consultants, we help clients navigate and shape global policy, reputational, and financial issues. To learn more, visit dgagroup.com.