While Paramount and Netflix Squabble Over Studios, YouTube Secures the Oscars
While Paramount and Netflix squabble over acquisitions and streaming dominance, YouTube has taken a decisive step that could redefine how major cultural events are broadcast. Alphabet-owned YouTube has officially secured the television rights to air the Academy Awards beginning in 2029, marking the end of a broadcasting era that lasted more than five decades.
The Oscars, one of the most recognizable entertainment events in the world, have been hosted by ABC since 1976. That partnership will conclude after the 100th Academy Awards in 2028. From 2029 through 2033, YouTube will become the primary home of the ceremony, offering global access without a traditional television paywall.
This move reflects a wider shift in the entertainment industry, where digital-first platforms are no longer just distributors of content but major players in live television events. YouTube’s entry into awards broadcasting signals how viewing habits and industry power structures continue to evolve.
While Paramount and Netflix Squabble, YouTube Expands Its Television Influence
While Paramount and Netflix squabble over studio assets and content strategies, YouTube’s approach has been focused on audience reach. According to recent Nielsen data, YouTube already commands the largest share of television viewing time in the United States, surpassing both legacy networks and competing streaming platforms.
By acquiring the Oscars, YouTube strengthens its position as more than a video-sharing platform. The agreement includes not only the main awards ceremony but also surrounding events such as the red carpet coverage, Governors Ball, and additional behind-the-scenes programming. All of this content will be available to viewers worldwide for free on YouTube, as well as through YouTube TV.
This accessibility represents a major change in how global audiences experience the Oscars. Instead of relying on regional broadcasters or cable subscriptions, viewers across more than 200 countries will be able to watch the entire event directly through a single platform. With over two billion active users, YouTube offers the Academy its widest potential audience to date.
For advertisers and the entertainment industry, this shift introduces new possibilities for real-time engagement, interactive viewing, and global visibility that traditional television has struggled to provide.
While Paramount and Netflix Squabble, Hollywood Faces a New Broadcast Reality
The Oscars deal highlights a broader transformation underway in Hollywood. Traditional studios and streaming giants remain locked in competition over content ownership and subscriber growth, but platforms like YouTube are redefining what television means in the digital age.
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Unlike subscription-based streaming services, YouTube’s model is built around scale and accessibility. Making the Oscars free to watch removes barriers that have previously limited younger and international audiences. This could reshape how future generations connect with film culture and award ceremonies.
Industry analysts view this move as symbolic. It signals that prestige events no longer depend on legacy networks to maintain relevance. Instead, reach, engagement, and global availability are becoming the primary measures of success.
For Disney-owned ABC, the departure marks the end of a long-standing relationship. For YouTube, it represents a strategic expansion into premium live events that were once considered untouchable by digital platforms. Also Read: Mun Ka Young and Lee Min Ho Signal 1 Promising Shift With New Sageuk Drama Talks
Conclusion
While Paramount and Netflix squabble over industry dominance, YouTube has made a clear statement about where the future of entertainment broadcasting is headed. By securing the Oscars, the platform positions itself at the center of global television culture, signaling a new chapter for Hollywood where digital reach outweighs traditional boundaries.
