The Annual Oscars Broadcast Shifts from ABC to YouTube
The annual Oscars broadcast will transition from ABC to YouTube starting 2029, announced the parties on Wednesday. The event will be streamed live worldwide for free.
Background on the Change
ABC, owned by Walt Disney, has long been the broadcaster for the Oscars, Hollywood’s highest cinematic accolades. Audience ratings for such award shows, including the Oscars, have dwindled as viewers migrate to streaming platforms.
Declining Viewership
The Oscars 2025, held in March, gathered 19.7 million viewers in the United States, the highest figure in five years but significantly lower than the 57 million viewers in 1998.
YouTube’s Role
YouTube will provide subtitles and audio tracks in multiple languages, making the show accessible to a global audience. This information comes from a joint statement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and YouTube.
Duration of the Agreement
The agreement will commence with the 2029 Oscars ceremony and extend until 2033.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why are the Oscars moving to YouTube? The shift aims to cater to changing viewer habits, as audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms.
- Who owns ABC? ABC is owned by Walt Disney.
- What was the viewership for the Oscars 2025? The Oscars 2025 gathered 19.7 million viewers in the United States.
- What languages will YouTube support for the Oscars? YouTube will offer subtitles and audio tracks in multiple languages to reach a global audience.
- How long will the agreement between the Academy and YouTube last? The agreement will cover the Oscars ceremonies from 2029 to 2033.
