For nearly a century, the Academy Awards have served as the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, a global event watched by millions. Understanding who airs the Oscars is more complex than simply naming a network, as it involves a major television partnership and a significant shift in the landscape of live entertainment broadcasting.
The Primary Broadcast Partnership
Since 2022, the exclusive English-language broadcast of the Academy Awards has been held by ABC, a flagship property of The Walt Disney Company. This move marked the end of a long relationship with NBC, which had aired the ceremony for 33 years. The transition was part of a larger strategic reshuffling of broadcast rights within Disney’s portfolio, aiming to centralize its major award shows under the ABC umbrella.
History of the Broadcast
The relationship between the Oscars and broadcast television dates back to 1953, when the ceremony was first televised on NBC. For decades, the network competed fiercely for the rights, viewing the Oscars as a centerpiece of its annual programming. The longevity of this partnership cemented the Oscars' place in the living rooms of generations, making it a familiar annual tradition for families across the country.
The Mechanics of the Broadcast
When people ask "who airs the Oscars," they are typically referring to the over-the-air television network. ABC handles the production, securing the venue, and the logistical execution of the three-hour show. This includes managing the red carpet pre-show, the main ceremony, and the post-event coverage, all synchronized for a seamless viewer experience at home.
Global and Digital Distribution
While ABC holds the primary U.S. broadcast, the Oscars has a truly global reach. International distribution is handled by a variety of regional partners, ensuring the ceremony is accessible in virtually every country. In the United Kingdom, for example, the broadcast moves to ITV, while in Canada, it airs on CTV. This complex web of agreements allows the Academy to maximize its worldwide viewership.
In the digital age, the broadcast extends far beyond the television screen. ABC maintains a robust online presence, offering live streaming through its official website and mobile app for cord-cutters. Furthermore, social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube host real-time clips, red carpet interviews, and post-show analysis, creating a multi-screen experience for the modern audience.
The Impact of Streaming Services
The landscape of the Oscars broadcast is currently in a state of evolution, with streaming services becoming major players. While the linear television broadcast remains the flagship, the Academy has made the ceremony available on its dedicated streaming service, AMC+. This move signals a recognition of the shifting viewing habits, where audiences are increasingly favoring on-demand content over scheduled programming.
As the competition for viewership intensifies, the future of the Oscars broadcast may see further integration of streaming and traditional television. For now, millions of viewers will still tune in to their ABC affiliates, but the presence of digital alternatives ensures that the ceremony will remain accessible to audiences in whatever format they prefer.
