LOS ANGELES — Amazon Prime Video is in advanced negotiations with the Television Academy to take over the broadcasting rights for the Emmy Awards, a move that could shift television’s highest honors off traditional broadcast networks for the first time.
The discussions follow the conclusion of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, which aired on NBC and marked the final ceremony under a long-standing, multi-decade arrangement.
End of the Traditional “Wheel Deal”
For the past 31 years, the Emmy Awards operated under a rotating broadcast partnership known as the “wheel deal,” cycling annually among major networks ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. That eight-year framework officially expired following the conclusion of the most recent ceremony, leaving the event’s broadcast future open to competitive bidding from digital platforms.
Television Academy leadership confirmed that discussions regarding a successor agreement are underway, though terms have not yet been finalized.
”Conversations are continuing,” Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego stated regarding the status of the negotiations. “When we get news, we’ll be more than happy to share.”
Streaming Shift for Major Awards
If finalized, the agreement would align the Emmys with a broader industry trend toward streaming-exclusive partnerships for major entertainment ceremonies. Netflix currently holds the rights to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, while the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences previously announced a transition for the Oscars to stream on YouTube.
Industry analysts note that talks with Amazon reflect shifting media economics as traditional broadcasters face declining linear viewership. Neither Amazon nor the Television Academy has disclosed a prospective timeline for a final announcement or the financial parameters of the proposed licensing agreement.
About the Author
Discover more from Geek Digest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
