Will YouTube Host the Next Academy Awards?
The Academy Awards are inarguably Hollywood’s most prestigious awards show.
Though viewer interest has been declining over the past few years, it remains an iconic night of television that draws in a specific audience.
Photo: Hulu
This year may change how you view the show. YouTube has recently entered the race to secure the broadcast rights for the Academy Awards, a move that would shake up Hollywood’s most prestigious night.
YouTube Wants the Oscars!
Oscars 2023
While Walt Disney’s ABC has aired the show for nearly 50 years, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Netflix, and CBS are all looking to expand their live-event offerings. However, YouTube is the surprise contender here.
The Google-owned platform has already made big investments in live programming, including NFL Sunday Ticket.
Photo: Taylor Swift
Recently, it shared record-breaking views for the New Heights podcast, fueled by Taylor Swift’s fanbase.
Adding the Oscars to its lineup would be another big step, signaling YouTube’s goal to move beyond just user content and include more mainstream live entertainment.
(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
For the Academy, YouTube offers a global population and can deliver to massive audiences while also engaging younger viewers. With younger generations avoiding traditional TV, moving the Oscars online would be loud and attention-grabbing.
It could also revitalize a show that has seen declining ratings.
Challenges
A few challenges block YouTube’s goal of airing the Oscars. ABC holds rights through 2028, and other bidders can bundle broadcast networks with streaming platforms while also owning major film studios.
Photo Credit: ABC.com
YouTube would bring a larger scale and more visibility, but it does not have a traditional Hollywood infrastructure.
These negotiations further highlight a shifting media landscape and a change towards streaming trends.
Stay tuned, and be sure to follow along with us at MickeyBlog to stay updated on this and all things Disney.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond-level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Thank you!
Article Source/Feature Photo: Bloomberg/YouTube/Oscars
