ABC Extends Oscar Contract to 2028

ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that they have expanded their agreement for eight more years, in which the Network will remain home to the Oscars®, Hollywood’s biggest entertainment ceremony of the year, through 2028. The new agreement for the domestic network of the Academy Awards® adds eight years to the existing contract, which was scheduled to expire in 2020.

The new deal will also guarantee the Disney-owned network will broadcast Oscar’s landmark 100th birthday, and is “the perfect partner to help us celebrate the magic of movies with our fans” according to Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “We’re honored to continue our storied and successful partnership with ABC in broadcasting the most watched live entertainment event of the year”.

Viewing figures for the awards is sporadic at best, with the network facing a hard sell in recent years. Typically the ratings are tied to the prominence of the big nominees, but with diversity being a big issue they will be hoping for a public interest boost in 2017.

“We are elated the Oscars will continue to call ABC home,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “The ceremony is an important part of network programming, and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Academy and delivering a multi-faceted, and multi-platform, ceremony celebrating the world’s biggest stars and honoring excellence in filmmaking.”

The 89th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC and in over 200 countries worldwide on Sunday 26th February 2017.