March 18, 2026
Affinity-Based Streaming gains momentum in 2026 — and Apex Media Partners is leading the charge
In an era of content overload, niche streaming platforms are winning viewer loyalty
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As major streaming platforms expand massive content libraries, many viewers are facing growing decision fatigue. Apex Media Partners says a different model is gaining traction in 2026: affinity-based streaming, built around clearly defined audiences united by shared values, interests or beliefs.
Apex Media, a media distribution company focused on faith-based and mission-driven content, is advancing the model through In Touch +, a streaming network designed to connect viewers with trusted spiritual programming.
The industry data backs it up. Doug Bognar, Vice President of Sales and New Business for Apex Media Partners, points to a mounting crisis of choice on the major platforms.
“Industry research shows the average American now spends approximately 12 minutes just searching for something to watch. In fact, while major subscription services are grappling with monthly churn rates as high as 6%, specialized niche networks are seeing rates stay consistently below 2%,” Bognar said.
The reason, Bognar says, is that niche networks solve the discovery problem before the viewer ever begins searching.
“When a viewer tunes into In Touch +, they aren’t looking for ‘something to watch,’” Bognar remarked. “They are looking for a specific spiritual connection. They aren’t browsing; they are returning home.”
This “depth over breadth” philosophy is reshaping how both advertisers and broadcasters measure success. Where mass-market reach was once the defining metric, Apex Media argues that audience engagement depth is the currency that matters in 2026 — and affinity networks are printing it.
“At Apex Media Partners, we believe the future of streaming isn’t about having the most content — it’s about delivering the right content to the right audience,” said CEO Carrie Hartunian. “Affinity-based networks like In Touch + show that when viewers feel understood and connected, engagement deepens, loyalty grows, and the impact of media becomes measurable in ways mass-market platforms simply can’t match.”
Apex Media’s distribution strategy for In Touch + leans into a linear, scheduled format that mirrors the rhythms of faith itself and transforms a streaming channel into a trusted daily appointment rather than just another app.
“For In Touch +, being ‘niche’ isn’t a limitation; it’s our greatest competitive advantage,” Bognar said. “The future of television belongs to the specialists who understand that in a world of a thousand voices, the one that speaks directly to your soul is the only one you’ll keep listening to.”
As Apex Media Partners expands its work with mission-driven content creators, the company says 2026 could mark a defining year for the streaming industry, as specialized networks continue to gain traction with viewers seeking more focused content experiences.
Apex Media Partners, LLC is a full-service media and marketing agency with over 30 years of experience helping organizations — including ministries and universities — engage communities with purpose-driven resources. Now at the forefront of streaming media and digital outreach, Apex Media seeks out far-reaching strategies to connect audiences together. For more information, visit www.apexmedia.com.
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To interview a representative from Apex Media Partners, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Curt Harding, charding@hamiltonstratetegies.com.
