What's Happening?
CBS is set to present the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for the first time in 2025. The event will be broadcast live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, and will also be simulcast on MTV. This marks a significant shift as the VMAs have traditionally been aired on MTV and its sister cable outlets. The show will be available for live viewing on Paramount+, with a one-hour pre-show airing across Paramount Media Networks. The 2025 VMAs will be executive produced by Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, with Barb Bialkowski as co-executive producer.
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Why It's Important?
The decision to air the VMAs on CBS is a strategic move to broaden the event's audience reach. By leveraging CBS's extensive network, the VMAs aim to capture a larger and more diverse viewership. This change comes after the 2024 VMAs achieved the largest multi-network audience since 2020, highlighting the growing interest in the event. The inclusion of CBS is expected to further boost viewership and social media interactions, which reached 66.7 million in 2024. This move could set a precedent for other award shows seeking to expand their audience base.
What's Next?
As the 2025 VMAs approach, further details such as nominations, performers, and additional show elements will be announced. The shift to CBS may prompt other networks to consider similar strategies for their events. Stakeholders, including advertisers and sponsors, will likely monitor the impact of this change on audience engagement and ratings. The success of the 2025 VMAs on CBS could influence future broadcasting decisions for major entertainment events.
