Oscars Could Move to Streaming as YouTube Enters the Bidding War Against Disney

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It’s possible that the Oscars could be streamed through a new method in the future. As reported by Bloomberg, YouTube is vying for the broadcast rights of the Oscars once its current contract with ABC expires in 2028. If they succeed, YouTube (which is owned by Google) would make history as the first digital platform to air the Academy Awards ceremony.

ABC’s Long Reign Nears Its End

For many years, the Oscars have consistently been a significant part of television broadcasts, having been exclusively on ABC since 1976. However, since the end of the exclusive negotiation period with Disney-ABC this past spring, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has begun exploring offers from other potential broadcasters.

The sticking point? Money.

Reports indicate that the Academy could seek an increase in licensing fees, and with Google’s substantial financial resources, YouTube might have the means to comply.

According to Deadline’s report, the negotiations for the show reached a standstill following several months of discussions aimed at securing higher payment from the Academy due to the show being one of the few prominent live events on TV despite declining ratings. ABC had been paying a substantial fee to maintain exclusive broadcast rights, but with increasing costs and dwindling viewership, neither party was able to agree on a new contract. This lack of an agreement paved the way for potential outside bidders, creating an opportunity for platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and streaming services to make their offers.

ABC retains the rights until 2028, implying that any transition of streaming won’t be immediate. Yet, the Academy’s readiness to consider fresh alliances hints at them gearing up for a significantly transformed future for their premier event.

YouTube’s Growing Live-Event Ambitions

The situation fits well. For quite some time, the viewership of the Oscars has been shrinking, particularly among younger generations who are shunning network TV altogether. On the other hand, YouTube isn’t just a widely-used video platform; it’s also been progressively involved in live events via YouTube TV. The NFL Sunday Ticket is now part of its domain, and this week, the platform recorded an unprecedented live audience during Taylor Swift’s appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast.

In pursuing the Oscars, YouTube is not merely seeking recognition or prestige. Instead, it’s sending a message that it has the capability to compete with established broadcast networks in presenting culturally significant moments.

A Risk or a Revival?

Although the shift to streaming on YouTube for the Oscars presents some questions. Could this transition attract fresh audiences or potentially disturb traditional viewers who remain devoted to conventional broadcasts? The ceremony has faced declining ratings, criticisms about its length, and concerns over its disconnect with movie enthusiasts. However, moving to YouTube could provide novel opportunities – global reach, interactive elements like live chats, and instant viral popularity of clips.

As a fan, I can see that the decision could significantly impact the Oscars. While younger viewers may view it as an exciting social media event, some critics might argue that its prestigious image would be diluted by making it just another stream of clicks. The Academy must carefully navigate between maintaining its dignity and making it accessible if they want their gamble to pay off.

What Comes Next?

Bill Kramer, the head of AMPAS, has commended Disney-ABC as an “outstanding collaborator,” yet he also showed faith a year ago that the next agreement would be highly profitable, regardless of who secures the rights. Given YouTube’s entry into the race, his optimism might prove justified.

The ABC agreement guarantees that the Oscars will continue airing on television until 2028; however, beyond that point, possibilities abound. It’s uncertain if YouTube will become the future host of the Oscars, but the competition among streaming platforms has expanded. Now, even prestigious events like the Academy Awards are in play.

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2025-08-24 16:00