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YouTube will stream the Oscars — exclusively — beginning in 2029
YouTube will exclusively stream the Oscars starting in 2029 after winning the bidding against ABC, which has hosted the event since 1976. This deal highlights the rise of streaming platforms for live events as traditional broadcasts decline, with YouTube planning extensive additional content like red carpet coverage and interviews. The goal is to reach a wider global audience and inspire future generations of film lovers.
Key points
- YouTube won exclusive rights to stream the Oscars starting 2029, outbidding ABC, which hosted since 1976.
- The agreement is a landmark shift, moving a major awards show fully to streaming, reflecting trends of declining broadcast viewership.
- YouTube's deal extends through 2033, with the aim of reaching over 2 billion global viewers.
- Content will include not just the ceremony but also red carpet events, filmmaking interviews, and educational programs.
- Oscar viewership has dropped from 55 million in 1998 to about 20 million recently, prompting the Academy to seek new audience engagement methods.
Why it matters
- This news aligns with the trend of traditional broadcast networks losing exclusive rights to streaming platforms, as seen with Netflix's acquisition of the SAG Awards.
- Streaming services are increasingly hosting live events, reflecting a shift in consumer viewing habits that prioritize on-demand content.
- The deal signifies a growing acceptance of digital platforms as legitimate venues for major cultural events, paralleling trends in other industries.
The exclusivity deal between YouTube and the Academy marks a pivotal transition in the broadcasting of the Oscars, showcasing the power of streaming while attempting to rejuvenate engagement with dwindling viewership.