ABC & Academy Extend Oscars Agreement

BURBANK: ABC’s contract to carry the annual Academy Awards presentations has been extended for a further six years, through 2020.

The contract was scheduled to expire in 2014. The February 27 broadcast of the Oscars marks the 36th consecutive ceremony to air on ABC.

“This contract ensures that the Oscar show will be an ABC tradition for 45 consecutive years,” said Tom Sherak, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “ABC is absolutely the very best place for the Academy Awards, a television event that is beloved and watched by millions of movie lovers all over the world.”

“ABC has been home to the Oscars for many years, having aired a total of 46 of the annual telecasts, so we’re thrilled to announce that this tradition will continue,” added Anne Sweeney, the president of the Disney/ABC Television Group. “During that time, we’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership with the Academy, pairing the best in movies with the best in television, and look forward to a long and successful collaboration in the years to come.”

Academy executive director Bruce Davis commented: “The Oscars remain the most-watched non-sports program in America, and we’re delighted that ABC will continue to be the setting for that jewel. The network has consistently demonstrated an understanding of what makes us unique, and has energetically supported those qualities.”

International rights for the telecast are covered by a separate agreement with Walt Disney International that runs through 2014.