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Variety

Report: ABC Wants a Bigger Role in the Annual Oscars Telecast

Mar 1, 2016  •  Post A Comment

There’s a sticking point in negotiations between ABC and the Academy Awards to extend the network’s deal to televise the Oscars ceremony, according to a report in Variety, as ABC is seeking more creative input into the broadcast.

“ABC’s deal with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences already runs through 2020, but the two sides have been in talks for some time about an extension,” Variety reports. “A long-term deal would provide stability for the Academy as it looks to take on debt to help finance its ambitious Hollywood museum project, set to open in 2018.”

Recent ratings have been disappointing, which may give ABC some leverage. “Under the terms of the contract, the Academy retains the rights to produce the show,” Variety notes. “That means AMPAS officials pick the producers, the host and set the tone for the overall production.”

ABC has reportedly been seeking more power for some time. “The push is seen as coming from Ben Sherwood and the top ranks of ABC,” Variety notes.

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