The latest episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast discusses the surprise move of the Oscar telecast to YouTube, starting in 2029. Variety’s chief awards editor, Clayton Davis, is in favor of the decision, believing it will help the Academy meet potential watchers where they are and provide a more evolved show. He thinks that the traditional network format is outdated and that this move will allow the Oscars to reach a wider audience. Davis argues that the key to a successful show is not its length, but its quality, and that the Academy should focus on creating a good show rather than worrying about its duration.
On the other hand, Michael Schneider is not entirely convinced by the decision. He fears that the move to YouTube will lead to ceremonies running unchecked, potentially lasting four hours or more, since YouTube does not have the same time slot constraints as traditional networks. Schneider also notes that YouTube lacks the infrastructure to produce a show like the Oscars, which could result in a lesser show. He believes that giving the Academy complete control over the production could lead to a lack of accountability and potentially lower quality.
Schneider also speculates that the YouTube-AMPAS pact will put pressure on the Television Academy to seek a game-changing deal for the Emmy Awards. The current “wheel deal” that rotates the rights among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC expires after the 2026 Emmy Awards, and Schneider thinks that the TV Academy may be inspired to think outside the box and pursue a revolutionary new deal. He doubts that the TV Academy will return to a traditional wheel format and instead may seek a more innovative partnership.
The move to YouTube is seen as a significant shift in the way the Oscars are presented, and it will be interesting to see how the Academy adapts to this new platform. With three years to prepare, the Academy has the opportunity to create a unique and engaging show that takes advantage of YouTube’s capabilities. However, there are also potential risks and challenges associated with this move, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately play out.