Era change: YouTube will replace ABC as the new broadcaster of the Oscars ceremony

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a historic decision — instead of traditional broadcast television, YouTube will become the exclusive partner for broadcasting the Oscars starting in 2029. This agreement marks the first time one of the four major television awards ( alongside the Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys ) fully transitions from broadcast TV to a streaming platform.

A Historic Shift in the Television Industry

Google’s platform, having outbid competitors including ABC — the longtime partner of the Oscars, is ending an era that lasted about fifty years. ABC has broadcast the ceremony since 1976 without significant interruptions, but will now only continue until 2028. YouTube will acquire rights starting from the 101st ceremony in 2029, with a contract extending until 2033.

Ratings Crisis as a Catalyst for Change

This strategic shift occurs amid a significant decline in viewership. In 1998, the ceremony attracted about 55 million viewers, but in recent years, the numbers have fallen to approximately 20 million. The Academy is trying to counter this trend by exploring innovative ways to reach a younger audience through digital channels.

Expanded Content Beyond the Main Broadcast

YouTube will not only stream the main ceremony live and free for 2 billion users worldwide but also cover related content. The package includes: red carpet streams, behind-the-scenes videos, nominee announcements, interviews with filmmakers and Academy members, content from the Governors Ball, educational programs about filmmaking, podcasts, and other content throughout the year.

Terms of the Agreement

YouTube CEO Neil Mohan emphasized: “The Oscars are one of the most important cultural institutions celebrating the art of storytelling. This partnership will help inspire a new generation of creators and film enthusiasts, preserving the legacy of the award.”

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Linette Howell Taylor jointly stated that the partnership with YouTube will expand access to Academy content for a global audience, benefiting both organization members and the entire filmmaking community.

The Bigger Picture of Media Transformation

While this is not the first case of a major award moving to streaming — Netflix has already acquired rights to the SAG Awards — the YouTube and Oscars deal symbolizes a fundamental overhaul of the television landscape. The shift from broadcast TV to digital platforms is gaining momentum, shaping the future of broadcasting prestigious cultural events.