In a landmark move that signals the end of an era for broadcast television, the prestigious Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, will abandon traditional TV from 2029. The organisers have confirmed a groundbreaking shift to stream the ceremony live on YouTube, concluding a partnership with American broadcaster ABC that lasted nearly five decades.
The End of a Television Era and a New Digital Home
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a multi-year deal with YouTube, making the platform the new global home for the Oscars from 2029 through 2033. This decision marks the first time in the history of the ceremony that it will be distributed primarily via a digital streaming platform instead of a broadcast television network. The iconic awards have been aired on ABC since 1976.
Academy leaders stated that this strategic pivot reflects the evolving ways in which global audiences consume major cultural events. In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor explained that the YouTube partnership is designed to "meet global audiences where they already are." The move aims to dramatically expand the show's reach beyond the shrinking pool of traditional television viewers.
Chasing Younger Viewers and a Modern Format
The Oscars broadcast has faced significant challenges in recent years, primarily due to declining ratings, especially among younger demographics. While viewership numbers have stabilised somewhat after the pandemic lows, the ceremony has been under immense pressure to modernise its format. The relentless rise of streaming platforms has fundamentally reshaped the entertainment industry, forcing even the most established institutions to adapt.
Under the new agreement, YouTube will stream the Oscars ceremony live worldwide at no cost to viewers. The platform is expected to enhance the experience with additional digital-first features. These could include exclusive behind-the-scenes access, coverage led by popular digital creators, and significantly expanded international distribution. Industry experts suggest this deal could also pioneer new, tailored advertising and sponsorship models specifically designed for a digital-native audience.
What This Means for the Future of Live Events
ABC will continue to hold the broadcast rights for the Oscars through 2028, ensuring the ceremony remains on network television for the rest of this decade. This provides a clear transition period for the industry and audiences accustomed to the traditional TV format.
The Oscars now join a growing roster of major live events making a decisive turn towards streaming-first platforms. From major sports leagues and other award shows to political debates, content producers are increasingly migrating to digital platforms like YouTube and Twitch. The primary goal is to capture the attention of younger, digitally-engaged audiences, particularly Generation Z, who largely consume content online and on-demand.
This historic shift from ABC to YouTube is more than just a change of channel; it is a definitive statement about the future of entertainment consumption. The Academy is betting big on a global, digital, and interactive future for its most famous night.
