What's Happening?
CBS has finalized a five-year agreement with Dick Clark Productions to broadcast the American Music Awards (AMAs) on CBS and stream live on Paramount+, starting with the 2026 ceremony. This strategic move comes as CBS prepares for the departure of the Grammys to Disney/ABC after the 2026 edition. The AMAs, created by Dick Clark in 1974, are determined by fan voting, with nominees selected based on fan engagement metrics such as streaming, sales, and airplay. The 2025 AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, achieved significant viewership, marking the largest audience since 2019, with performances from notable artists like Janet Jackson and Rod Stewart.
Why It's Important?
The new deal between CBS and Dick Clark Productions is significant as it fills the void left by the Grammys' departure, ensuring CBS retains a major music awards show. This move is expected to bolster CBS's ratings and maintain its position in the competitive awards show landscape. The AMAs' fan-driven voting system and broad appeal could attract a diverse audience, benefiting CBS's viewership and advertising revenue. Additionally, the partnership strengthens CBS's relationship with Dick Clark Productions, which also includes the Golden Globes, enhancing CBS's portfolio of high-profile entertainment events.
What's Next?
With the AMAs set to air on CBS starting in 2026, the network will likely focus on maximizing viewership and engagement through strategic marketing and leveraging its streaming platform, Paramount+. CBS may also explore additional collaborations with Dick Clark Productions to expand its awards show offerings. As the Grammys transition to Disney/ABC, CBS will need to adapt its programming strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the awards show market.
