Grammy Awards Leave CBS After 50 Years in Historic Move to ABC and Disney Platforms
The Grammy Awards are moving to Disney-owned networks after more than 50 years on CBS, marking a significant shift in television broadcasting history. The new 10-year deal will see the awards show airing on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ from 2027 through 2036.
Mickey Mouse pumpkin
This transition comes after CBS's current rights agreement, signed in 2016, expires in 2026. The Recording Academy and CBS were unable to reach a new agreement during their exclusive negotiating window, despite CBS's continued interest in maintaining the partnership that began in 1973.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden emphasized the importance of live events in today's media landscape, describing the Grammys as "one of the crown jewels" in their programming portfolio. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed enthusiasm about joining Disney while acknowledging CBS's long-standing partnership.
The deal significantly bolsters ABC's entertainment lineup, as the network will simultaneously hold broadcasting rights to the Grammys, Oscars, Super Bowl, CMA Awards, and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve when the agreement takes effect.
Historical Broadcasting Timeline:
- NBC: 1959-1970
- ABC: 1971-1972
- CBS: 1973-2026
- Disney Networks: 2027-2036