In a stunning shakeup of television broadcasting, Disney has secured the exclusive rights to the Grammy Awards, ending a 50-year tradition with CBS. This ten-year agreement, beginning in 2027, will bring the music industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony to ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, solidifying Disney’s presence in the live events sector. For CBS and its parent company Paramount Global, this transition marks a significant loss, highlighting Disney’s commitment to expanding its entertainment portfolio with major live events.
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The Underlying Reasons Behind the Grammy Awards Ending Partnership with CBS
Since 1973, CBS has been the home of the Grammys, signing its most recent decade-long contract in 2016. However, with contract renegotiations on the horizon, CBS and The Recording Academy couldn’t reach an agreement within the initial negotiation period, opening the door for other interested parties. Disney emerged as the winning bidder, with sources noting that CBS remained interested but ultimately could not match Disney’s offer. This shift is a strategic win for Disney, especially considering CBS’s recent focus on cost-cutting and investing more in sports and primetime content.
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The Grammys Set to Air on Disney’s Platforms
Disney’s acquisition aligns with its strategy to dominate live event broadcasting. With this deal, Disney will become the powerhouse for premier live programming, hosting not only The Grammys but also The Oscars, The CMA Awards, and even the Super Bowl in the same year, marking a groundbreaking lineup for ABC. This unique synergy could significantly broaden The Grammys’ reach, bringing the ceremony to audiences on both traditional TV and popular streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+.
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A New Era for The Grammys on Disney’s Platforms
The partnership between Disney and The Recording Academy is more than just a broadcasting shift; it represents a commitment to the future of live music programming. Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, expressed pride in adding The Grammys to Disney’s world-class programming, describing live events as “cultural cornerstones” for the entertainment industry. This vision aligns with the Academy’s transformation strategy under CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who views the move as an opportunity to reach global audiences and elevate the celebration of music across diverse platforms.
The 67th Grammy Awards, set for February 2, 2025, will be the last Grammys hosted by CBS before the transition to Disney. As anticipation builds, Disney’s takeover promises an exciting future for the awards show, blending tradition with innovative broadcasting approaches. This move cements Disney’s influence in live entertainment and redefines how audiences experience one of the music industry’s most celebrated nights.
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