Oscars Leaving ABC for YouTube in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that the Oscars will move to YouTube and YouTube TV starting in 2029. This marks the end of a nearly 40-year partnership with ABC.

The decision represents a fundamental shift in how the awards show reaches audiences. By transitioning to a streaming-first platform, the Academy is adapting to changing viewer habits and the decline of traditional cable television.

Key implications of this move include:

• Broader digital accessibility for global audiences
• End of traditional broadcast exclusivity
• Shift toward platform-neutral viewing experiences

This transition positions the Oscars alongside other major events that have embraced streaming technology to maintain relevance and expand their reach.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to end its nearly 40-year relationship with ABC. Since the late 1980s, ABC has been the exclusive broadcast home for the Oscars, making this transition particularly significant for the television industry.

This long-standing partnership helped establish the Oscars as a cultural touchstone, with millions of households tuning in annually. The decision to leave ABC suggests the Academy believes streaming platforms offer better opportunities for growth and engagement in the modern media landscape.

Factors likely influencing this decision include:

• Declining traditional television viewership
• Increased demand for on-demand content
• Global reach capabilities of streaming platforms
• Changing demographics of the award show audience

The move away from network television represents a broader industry trend toward digital-first distribution strategies.

Starting in 2029, YouTube and YouTube TV will become the exclusive platforms for Oscar broadcasts. This partnership brings the prestigious awards show to one of the world's largest video platforms, which boasts billions of monthly active users.

The collaboration with YouTube represents a strategic alignment with modern viewing preferences. Unlike traditional broadcast television, YouTube offers:

• Global accessibility without geographic restrictions
• Interactive features like live chat and community engagement
• On-demand replay capabilities
• Multi-device compatibility

YouTube TV, the platform's live television service, will likely provide the primary linear broadcast experience, while the main YouTube platform may offer additional viewing options and supplementary content. This dual approach could revolutionize how audiences experience the ceremony.

The Academy's decision to move to YouTube will likely have ripple effects throughout the entertainment and broadcasting industries. Other major awards shows may follow this precedent, accelerating the shift away from traditional network television.

For viewers, the transition means adapting to new viewing methods. While YouTube offers free access, YouTube TV requires a subscription, potentially creating a paywall for some audiences. However, the platform's accessibility may offset these concerns by reaching viewers who previously lacked cable access.

The move also affects advertising revenue models. Traditional television advertising during the Oscars commands premium rates, but digital advertising on YouTube offers different metrics and targeting capabilities. The Academy will need to balance maintaining revenue while providing value to advertisers in this new environment.

Production considerations may also change, as streaming broadcasts allow for different technical approaches and creative possibilities that aren't constrained by traditional broadcast standards.

As the 2029 transition approaches, both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and YouTube will need to address several logistical and technical challenges. The ceremony must maintain its prestige and production quality while adapting to a new distribution model.

Questions remain about how the broadcast will handle:

• Live red carpet coverage and pre-show content
• Technical reliability for a global live event
• Accessibility for viewers without high-speed internet
• Integration with YouTube's interactive features

The success of this transition will likely influence how other major cultural events approach their broadcast strategies. If the Oscars successfully migrate to streaming while maintaining or growing their audience, it could signal the final transition of live television events to digital platforms.

Until 2029, ABC will continue broadcasting the ceremony, giving the Academy time to develop a comprehensive transition plan that ensures a seamless handover between platforms.