Why are the Oscars moving exclusively to YouTube in 2029?

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The Oscars Will Move Exclusively to YouTube in 2029 to Reach a Wider Global Audience

The Academy Awards are set to transition to an exclusive online broadcast on YouTube beginning in 2029, marking a significant shift after more than fifty years with traditional television broadcaster ABC. This five-year agreement aims to leverage YouTube's extensive global reach to connect with the largest possible audience for the ceremony. The move reflects broader industry trends where digital platforms are increasingly becoming the primary medium for content consumption.
Transitioning from Traditional Broadcast to Digital Streaming

The current broadcast contract with ABC, which has aired the Oscars for over half a century, will continue until 2028, encompassing the 100th Academy Awards. Following this, the exclusive streaming deal with Google-owned YouTube will commence. This transition signifies a "bold new direction" for the prestigious awards show, acknowledging the growing preference for online content consumption among audiences worldwide.
Addressing Declining Viewership and Expanding Reach

Oscars viewership has experienced a decline in recent years, with ratings dipping to a low of 10.4 million during the Covid-19 pandemic. While the most recent ceremony saw an increase to 19.69 million viewers, the highest in five years, the Academy is seeking a more robust and expansive platform. The collaboration with YouTube is expected to "leverage YouTube's vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement," as stated by the Academy.
Industry Acceptance of Streaming Platforms

The move to an online-only platform aligns with a growing acceptance of streaming services within the film industry. Notably, Apple secured the Best Picture Oscar for "CODA" in 2022, and the SAG Awards have already transitioned to Netflix. YouTube holds the largest share of television viewing time in the United States among streaming platforms, underscoring its potential to deliver a substantial audience for the Academy Awards.

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Why are the Oscars moving exclusively to YouTube in 2029?

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