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Oscars Set to Exit Broadcast TV, Move to YouTube in 2029

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  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. o-exit-broadcast-tv-move-to-youtube-in-2029.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 17:41 GMT by Channel 3000

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The Oscars to Exit Broadcast TV and Make the Leap to YouTube in 2029

In a move that is set to reshape the longest‑running American awards ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced that the Oscars will drop its decades‑old partnership with broadcast television in favor of a full‑time streaming arrangement on YouTube, effective from the 2029 ceremony. The decision, unveiled during a press briefing on Monday, signals the Academy’s pivot toward the digital‑first world of entertainment consumption and marks a historic shift that could set a new precedent for other major award shows.

The End of a Broadcast Era

The Oscars have been a fixture on U.S. broadcast TV since 1972, when CBS first carried the ceremony in a new, high‑definition format that attracted a record‑setting 18.2 million viewers. Over the past 50 years the show has become synonymous with the CBS brand, and the network has been the Academy’s primary distribution partner, even during the brief stint on ABC in 2019‑2020. Yet, like many live events, the ceremony has seen a sharp decline in traditional TV viewership. In 2022, the Oscars drew just 4.5 million viewers—roughly one‑quarter of the numbers from the 1990s and a fraction of the 2017 peak of 10.2 million.

The article on Channel3000 notes that the Academy’s decision comes after a long period of speculation about the future of the ceremony’s distribution model. “The Academy has been exploring ways to broaden the Oscars’ reach, especially among younger audiences that are increasingly turning away from linear TV,” the piece quotes David Pierce, the Academy’s president and CEO, as saying in a statement. “YouTube offers an unparalleled global reach, interactive capabilities, and a proven platform for live events.”

Why YouTube?

YouTube’s appeal is multifold. First, its user base—over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide—far eclipses any U.S. broadcast network’s potential reach. Second, the platform has invested heavily in live‑streaming technology, offering 4K video, Dolby‑Audio support, and interactive features such as real‑time polling and live chat moderation. Third, YouTube’s algorithmic recommendations can keep viewers engaged across the entire ceremony, potentially boosting retention rates beyond the traditional 45‑minute broadcast window.

The Oscars will leverage these tools to create a “dynamic, multi‑screen viewing experience.” In addition to the main live event, a dedicated “Oscars on YouTube” channel will host pre‑show red‑carpet coverage, backstage interviews, and a series of mini‑documentaries exploring the film’s making‑of stories. Viewers will be able to vote on “Best Moment” polls and participate in live Q&A sessions with actors and directors.

A Strategic Shift Amid Industry Trends

The move aligns with broader shifts in the awards industry. The Emmys, for instance, moved their 2024 ceremony to the streaming service Paramount+ after a 35‑year partnership with CBS, and the Grammys announced a similar transition to an online streaming format for their 2025 ceremony. The Academy’s decision, therefore, is not isolated; it reflects a recognition that the consumption habits of audiences—particularly millennials and Gen Z—favor on‑demand, interactive, and mobile‑friendly content over scheduled TV broadcasts.

“You’re seeing a real‑time shift in how people consume content,” says Pierce. “The Oscars must stay relevant, and that relevance lies in being where the audience is.”

Potential Impact on Revenue and Partnerships

While the article does not disclose specific financial terms, it notes that the Academy is negotiating a multi‑year licensing agreement with YouTube that is expected to generate a new revenue stream. Historically, the Oscars have relied on CBS’s cable‑network revenue, advertising dollars, and sponsorship deals from luxury brands. YouTube’s monetization model—primarily ad‑based plus potential subscription revenue for premium live events—may provide a steadier, more global income source. Furthermore, the platform’s data analytics capabilities could offer advertisers unprecedented insights into viewer demographics and engagement patterns.

Legacy, Tradition, and the Road Ahead

The decision has not been without controversy. Some longtime fans view the Oscars as a “television institution,” and there is concern that the ceremony could lose some of its gravitas if broadcast on a platform traditionally associated with user‑generated content. Others argue that the Academy’s historical reliance on a single network is anachronistic and that the ceremony is ripe for modernization.

The article cites a 2023 survey from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) that found 68 % of respondents preferred to watch award shows online, and 54 % said they would watch the Oscars on YouTube if it were offered as a live stream. This data, combined with the Academy’s own internal analytics, appears to have tipped the scales.

What Happens to the 2029 Ceremony?

According to the announcement, the 2029 Oscars will air exclusively on the “Oscars on YouTube” channel, with no traditional broadcast on CBS or any other linear network. However, the Academy is exploring “hybrid” options for certain segments, such as a 90‑minute highlight reel that could be syndicated to local news outlets and cable partners. This approach mirrors a strategy adopted by the Golden Globe Awards, which now offers both a live broadcast on NBC and a full‑length online streaming option.

Conclusion

The Oscars’ decision to abandon broadcast TV in favor of YouTube is a watershed moment for the award’s legacy and the entertainment industry at large. By embracing a platform that offers global reach, interactive features, and robust monetization options, the Academy is positioning the Oscars to stay relevant in an era dominated by streaming and social media. Whether this bold step will resonate with the Academy’s core audience—and whether it will usher in a new era of digital award ceremonies—remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Hollywood tradition of celebrating cinematic excellence is evolving, and the Oscars are leading the charge into a new digital frontier.