The British Broadcasting Corporation announced on Thursday that it will begin streaming its live news broadcast on YouTube to reach younger viewers, joining a broader industry migration away from traditional cable and broadcast television. Of American adults, 35% report regularly getting their news on YouTube, according to a 2025 Pew Research study.
Attest Media Consumption Report Details Viewing Habits
According to the 2026 U.S. Media Consumption report from Attest, viewers continue dedicating massive amounts of time to streaming networks and social media apps, logging a daily average of 3 hours and 54 minutes across platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Just over half of American adults, or 53%, report getting at least some news on social media platforms. Greater accessibility drives this shift, offering free video content that appeals to interests ranging from entertainment to educational tutorials.
We have great content that people can resonate with when they want to,
Sean Downey, a top Google sales executive, told The New York Times. When they turn on their television (to YouTube), they will find exactly what’s looking for that meets the moment and the need that they have.
Academy Awards and Major Ceremonies Move to Streaming
This widespread audience migration has already driven the Academy Awards to end its decades-long partnership with ABC. The awards show will air exclusively on YouTube in coming years. The move aims to combat declining traditional network viewership and high distribution costs while expanding global reach.
This partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible,
stated Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and Academy CEO Bill Kramer in a joint message, noting that the transition would inspire new generations of filmmakers and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.
Other major ceremonies have adopted similar strategies. The Emmy Awards, The Actor Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards have all moved their events to streaming platforms as alternatives to traditional network broadcasting.
Traditional Networks Launch YouTube-Exclusive Channels
Traditional networks are establishing dedicated YouTube channels to capture younger demographics who rarely subscribe to cable television. ESPN introduced a new YouTube channel called ESPN JV on Wednesday to cater specifically to kids. PBS Kids, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon have also shifted major portions of their content libraries to the platform.
Kane Parsons Film Backrooms Breaks Box Office Records
Independent creators who built their followings on YouTube are also making substantial impacts on traditional media. In June, a low-budget horror film from 20-year-old first-time filmmaker Kane Parsons, who developed a popular YouTube series, drew unusually strong turnout among young audiences. Parsons’ film, Backrooms,
grossed $81.5 million in its first three days in theaters, setting multiple industry records including the largest opening weekend ever for an original horror movie.
Everyone’s asking what’s the next big thing in Hollywood for movies, and what can bring people back to the movie theater?
Paul Dergarabedian, the head of marketplace trends for Comscore, told The Associated Press. This may be it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Broadcast Shift
Why are traditional networks moving award shows to YouTube?
Network viewership is declining while the cost of distributing content through traditional broadcast networks remains high. Moving to YouTube allows award ceremonies to reach broader audiences, particularly younger viewers who do not pay for network television subscriptions.
How much time do Americans spend on streaming and social platforms daily?
According to the 2026 U.S. Media Consumption report from Attest, Americans spend an average of 3 hours and 54 minutes every day on YouTube, TikTok, and other social platforms.
What specific awards shows have left traditional broadcasting?
The Academy Awards ended its decades-long partnership with ABC to air exclusively on YouTube. Additionally, the Emmy Awards, The Actor Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards have all transitioned their ceremonies to streaming alternatives.
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