“The Wombles” and Chronicle Media Team up to Take Classic Franchise’s Message of Sustainability, Purpose and Community Worldwide Through YouTube Channel Management Partnership

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 18, 2026--

The purpose-driven, classic British brand “The Wombles” and Chronicle Media are partnering to take the family-friendly franchise dedicated to sustainability, reuse, community and environmental action worldwide through a YouTube channel management partnership.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260917931798/en/

Created by Elisabeth Beresford in 1968 as an eco-conscious series of children's books featuring furry creatures living beneath London's Wimbledon Common who collect and reuse discarded rubbish, “The Wombles” has evolved into an iconic brand boasting a multi-generational fanbase across the globe. “The Wombles” TV series first debuted on BBC One in 1973 as a stop-motion animated program, while a contemporary version of the show launched on ITV in 1997.

Chronicle will leverage its audience modelling expertise to oversee two new YouTube channels dedicated to “The Wombles”, supporting the discovery of the series by the largest potential fanbase. Launching today, “The Wombles’” two channels include The Wombles Classics, featuring remastered episodes of the 1970s and 1990s series, and The Wombles, showcasing all-new purpose-driven animated and live-action content reflecting the brand’s core values. The new “Wombles” content showcases creative ways to repurpose everyday objects through arts, crafts, cooking and gardening; as well as outdoor environmental challenges and problem-solving adventures; and gentle, slower-paced content designed for younger children and families seeking mindful moments away from the pace of modern life.

“‘The Wombles’ has inspired generations of devoted fans with its enduring message of environmental responsibility and service,” said Aaron Sisto, Co-Founder and CEO of Chronicle Media. “Its core themes of community, sustainability and reuse continue to hit home, and we’re honored to partner with this iconic brand to expand its reach and legacy globally through YouTube, connecting with audiences of all ages across multiple touchpoints.”

The global rights of “The Wombles” were recently consolidated into a single ownership structure that is protected throughout the world. As the brand approaches its milestone 60th anniversary, The Wombles Operations appointed The Blair Partnership as its exclusive global representative to develop the property across television, film, audio, publishing, theatre, live events, digital media, gaming, apps, consumer products and third-party licensing.

ABOUT THE WOMBLES

“The Wombles” are fictional characters created by Elisabeth Beresford, first appearing in a series of children’s books before becoming a successful television, music and publishing franchise. Known for their focus on reuse, recycling and community spirit, the characters remain one of the UK’s best-known family brands.

ABOUT CHRONICLE MEDIA

Chronicle Media uses frontier audience modelling to help media companies, entertainment studios, game developers, IP owners and consumer brands to discover new audiences, test concepts and creative before launch, and grow high-value fan communities grounded in unique audience insights and strategies. Founded in 2025 with backing from Patron, Point72 Ventures, Z Ventures, Sands Capital and other prominent investors, Chronicle is based in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, New York and London. For more information, please visit https://chronicle.ai/.

The Wombles (Copyright Wombles Operations Ltd 2026)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance is headed to Iowa for the second time this year to campaign for Republican majorities in Congress as he lays the groundwork for his own political ambitions.

Vance will be the headliner Friday at a midterm rally in Council Bluffs, on the western edge of the once-Republican stronghold state, which has found itself with competitive races for the Senate and the governor’s mansion this year.

Council Bluffs, located along the Missouri River, is home to Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for the Senate who represents the area in the Statehouse.

But his opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, will not attend the rally Friday due to previously scheduled events, according to her campaign.

Zach Lahn, the Republican nominee for governor, will attend. He is in a competitive race against Democrat Rob Sand, the state auditor and one of the party’s most highly touted candidates.

Vance took his first trip to the state as vice president in May, campaigning alongside Rep. Zach Nunn, one of the party’s most endangered incumbents this year. Nunn and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, another Iowa Republican, voted earlier this week in a symbolic measure to halt the war in Iran, underscoring how the military conflict that Trump launched is causing political troubles for his own party.

At the May event, Vance touted the administration’s tax and tariff policies at a steel manufacturing facility while warning that this year was “not a normal election” and “not a normal political environment.”

The vice president has been one of the most visible surrogates on the midterm campaign trail, jetting to locations such as Kansas, Wisconsin and his native Ohio to promote Republican candidates and the administration’s achievements.

Friday’s rally location is in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which is being vacated by Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra after his failed bid for governor. Democrat Dave Dawson and Republican Chris McGowan are vying for the seat. That race is not considered one of the more competitive races in this election.

Vance’s visit to the state shows Republican candidates are in political trouble in November, said Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in a statement.

“Iowans have had enough of their D.C.-first, Iowa last priorities and will hold them all accountable for their agenda that’s caused skyrocketing prices at the pump, grocery stores, and doctor’s office,” Smith said.

Associated Press writer Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report from Des Moines, Iowa.

Vice President JD Vance waves as he arrives on Air Force Two, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)