Netta Ulupi

How close?

Close.

Close enough that we feel that we need to speak with them.

The deal right now between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC expires in 2028, and YouTube has secured exclusive rights to the show.

ABC has broadcast the Oscars since 1976, and the news is being reported as a shocker in Hollywood industry publications.

Oscar ratings have faltered over the past few decades, but last year saw a 4% increase from the year before.

Almost 20 million people tuned in.

Academy leaders, in a statement, said this new partnership will expand access to the largest worldwide audience possible.

Netta Ulipi, NPR News.

This needs to end.

We can end it today.

Back in the good old days, meaning like five years ago, we listened to podcasts.

Now we watch them.

More than half of the world's top podcasts now release video versions, like the sports show hosted by Bill Simmons.

People often just have them on in the background.

The number one platform for podcasts is YouTube.

But Netflix and Spotify are challenging that.

This new deal will make 16 top video podcasts available only on Netflix and on the Spotify app starting in January, including the Bill Simmons podcast.

Netta Ulipi, NPR News.