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YouTube Secures Exclusive Global Rights To Stream The Oscars Starting 2029

Historic Shift In Broadcasting

YouTube has emerged as a major force in live event broadcasting by winning exclusive rights to stream the Oscars beginning in 2029. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the groundbreaking deal, which will extend through 2033, marking an end to ABC’s long-standing tenure as the Oscars’ broadcast partner since 1961 (aside from an interim shift in the early 1970s). This strategic move underscores the changing landscape of television, where streaming platforms are rapidly redefining viewer engagement for marquee events.

Expanding The Oscars Experience

The new agreement not only covers the live broadcast of the 101st Oscars in 2029 but also provides an expansive range of content that includes red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes access, the Oscar nominations announcement, exclusive filmmaker interviews, Governors Ball insights, film education programs, and podcasts. With more than 2 billion viewers worldwide and additional access for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States, the Academy is poised to significantly extend its global reach.

Industry Ramifications And Strategic Insights

This landmark deal reflects YouTube’s growing dominance in the television space, as highlighted in recent industry analyses. The decision to transition one of the four major awards shows fully to a streaming platform signals a major reorientation in industry strategy—a similar precedent was set when Netflix acquired rights to the SAG Awards in 2024. The shift comes amid declining traditional television ratings for the Oscars, with viewership falling from a peak of 55 million in 1998 to approximately 20 million in recent years.

Leadership Perspectives And Future Opportunities

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement, emphasizing that partnering with YouTube will extend the Oscars’ legacy and expand access to the Academy’s diverse programming. In a parallel statement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan affirmed that the collaboration will not only celebrate artistic excellence but also inspire a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers around the globe.

New Era For Live Entertainment

The exclusive streaming rights represent a strategic leap forward for both the Oscars and the broader entertainment industry. By embracing cutting-edge digital platforms, the Academy is adapting to evolving consumer behaviors, ensuring that the celebration of cinematic excellence remains accessible to a worldwide audience well into the future.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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