Streaming far, wide & free

A generation raised on smartphones, Gen Z are showing increased interest in devices like the iPod

- SUGANDHA MUKHERJEE

ONLINE STREAMING PLATFORM YouTube has bought the rights for live streaming the famous Academy Awards, from its 101st edition, in 2029. This is part of a multiyear deal lasting till 2033.

Speaking on the imminent partnership between the Academy and YouTube, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a joint statement, “The Academy is an international organisation, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”

Separately, YouTube’s television reach has also grown significantly over the years, in addition to its near mandatory presence on all phones and laptops. Moreover, news reports talk of decreasing eyeballs tracking the Oscars when telecast by ABC. The highest viewership the Oscars ever pulled was in 1998 with 57 million people. Viewership hit a record low during Covid, garnering 10.4 million, and in the last year rose to 19.7 million viewers on ABC.