ED1 wrote:

RadioActive wrote:

It was once, along with the Super Bowl, one of broadcast television's highest rated shows of the year. My how times have changed. The Academy Awards, aka The Oscars, are leaving over-the-air TV for the first time since the networks began and moving online. 

Beginning in 2029, the annual movie lovefest, rife with Hollywood's biggest stars, will be online only. The Oscars hits 100 in 2028, marking two milestones - a century of celebrating cinema and the very last time the show will air on ABC. 

I wonder how this will change the nature of the beast. When it's on commercial TV, there is always pressure to end on time (they never do) and endless pressure for winners to say their thank you's and get off the stage. With no late news to get to, that (and the ubiquitous walk-off music) may disappear - although you may not want to hear a celeb thank everyone back to their kindergarten teacher. 

And yes, the show will be free to watch online from anywhere in the world. 

YouTube keeps the rights until 2033 and we'll see if there's a bidding war to get this marquee event back on regular TV. Last year, some 19 million people tuned in for the show. 

And no, CTV won't be showing them, either - the deal gives YouTube global rights to the program, so it's either online or not at all. 

Does this mean no more "Who are you wearing" pregame shows?

The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC

KTLA in Los Angels has been doing the red carpet pre-game shows for years and they’ve never had the broadcast rights to the Oscars themselves. I’m sure that will continue on along with any other red carpet shows.

You could be right - but remember, that's a local event in Hollywood, so it kind of makes sense.

But I'm not sure a network would want to stage a pre-game preview if someone else is carrying the big show itself. You'd essentially be telling them to tune away from you and over to them when the hour is over. I don't think I'd do it.