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Oscars to Shift from Broadcast TV to YouTube in 2029

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 14:35 GMT by News 8000

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The Oscars to Move From Broadcast TV to YouTube Starting in 2029

In a move that signals a major shift in how Hollywood’s most‑watched event will be delivered, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that the 2029 ceremony will be streamed exclusively on YouTube. The announcement—released early this year on the Academy’s official website and covered in detail by News8000—marks the end of a 23‑year relationship with broadcast television, a partnership that began with ABC in 2005, moved to NBC in 2016, and returned to ABC in 2017. The change reflects a broader industry trend toward streaming, declining linear viewership, and the Academy’s ambition to capture a younger, digitally‑native audience.

The Numbers That Prompted the Switch

The article cites a stark decline in traditional TV audiences over the past decade. In 2014, the ceremony drew a peak audience of 41.8 million viewers on ABC; by 2023, the number had slumped to 16.9 million—an almost 60 % drop. The Academy’s own reports indicate that the decline is not limited to the United States; international linear TV ratings have fallen as viewers increasingly turn to on‑demand and streaming services.

“Watching the Oscars on a small screen has become less glamorous,” one quoted Academy executive told News8000. “The production quality and the immersive experience that our fans want can’t be delivered in a 480‑p or 720‑p broadcast. We need a platform that supports 4K, VR angles, and interactivity.”

The Academy’s internal data also shows that a majority of Oscar viewers now prefer watching on mobile devices or laptops. According to a Nielsen report linked in the article, 65 % of viewers aged 18‑34 watched the ceremony on a non‑TV device in 2023. This demographic shift is a key driver behind the decision to abandon broadcast TV.

Why YouTube?

The article explains that the Academy selected YouTube as its streaming partner because of the platform’s global reach, real‑time engagement tools, and advertising infrastructure. YouTube’s monetization model—through ad revenue, sponsorships, and branded content—provides a new revenue stream that could offset the costs of producing the ceremony, which the Academy estimates will rise to $100 million by 2029.

The Academy’s official announcement, reproduced on the News8000 site, notes that the partnership will allow for “dynamic live commentary, real‑time social media interaction, and multi‑language subtitles” without the bandwidth constraints of traditional broadcast. “YouTube’s algorithm can also help us target younger audiences with tailored promos and pre‑show teasers,” the Academy’s communications director said.

Additionally, the Academy is negotiating a “hybrid” approach for the 2028 ceremony, which will still air on ABC as a “live broadcast simulcast” for viewers who do not have internet access. The article links to a press release from ABC that confirms the network will continue to air the ceremony for the next two years, offering a final bridge between broadcast and streaming.

Implications for Advertising and Revenue

The move to YouTube will alter the economics of the Oscars in significant ways. For broadcast TV, the Academy had long relied on a multi‑year deal with ABC that included a guaranteed $2 million in rights fees, plus a share of local ad revenue. With YouTube, the revenue model is fundamentally different: the Academy will earn a share of ad impressions, sponsorships, and possibly a subscription fee from YouTube Premium viewers who wish to watch the ceremony ad‑free.

The article cites a 2022 Deloitte analysis that predicted streaming platforms could generate up to $30 million in ad revenue per ceremony, compared with $8 million from traditional broadcast. However, the new model also introduces risk: if the streaming viewership fails to meet expectations, the Academy could see a shortfall in revenue. The article warns that the Academy will need to invest heavily in digital marketing to attract viewers, a cost that could offset the savings from relinquishing the $2 million broadcast rights fee.

Industry Reaction

Industry insiders reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and caution. Variety (linked in the News8000 article) reported that other award bodies—such as the Critics’ Choice Awards and the BAFTA—have already announced streaming plans or are in talks with platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. “The Oscars setting the precedent is huge,” a former Academy production executive said. “We’ll be watching how the numbers play out.”

Social media buzz is also in the mix. The article points to an Instagram poll conducted by The Hollywood Reporter showing that 58 % of respondents would prefer to watch the ceremony on a streaming platform rather than on TV. Meanwhile, a Twitter thread by former Emmy producer James Lee highlights the importance of “interactive live features” such as live polls, fan‑submitted tweets, and behind‑the‑scenes camera angles that YouTube can accommodate.

Looking Ahead

The Academy’s decision underscores a broader realignment in the entertainment industry, one that acknowledges the dominance of streaming and the changing habits of younger audiences. The move will also influence how other long‑running live events—like the Emmy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Tony Awards—design their broadcast strategies.

For the Academy, the challenge will be balancing the allure of a global, interactive platform with the need to preserve the ceremony’s prestige. The article notes that the Academy is investing in a “digital preservation” initiative to archive every Oscars moment in high‑definition formats, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the ceremony on multiple platforms.

In sum, the Oscars’ transition to YouTube in 2029 is more than a shift in delivery—it is a strategic pivot that reflects changing viewer preferences, advances in streaming technology, and a new revenue model for the industry’s most iconic event. Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the Academy’s bold move signals that the future of award‑season television will be firmly rooted in the digital realm.