Oscars Has Record-Low Audience, But Still Strong In Media Landscape

Reflecting a recent trend of audience declines for events on linear TV, the Oscars on Sunday night averaged 26.54 million viewers on ABC, marking the telecast's lowest figure on record. That viewership also is down 19% from 32.94 million viewers last year. This was the first time the Academy Awards audience has dipped below 30 million viewers. As recently as '14, the show was still drawing above 40 million viewers. However, while the Oscars are down from recent years, the size of the audience shows the power of live programming on linear TV. The Oscars were the most-viewed non-sports telecast on TV last year, behind six NFL postseason telecasts. This year's Oscars audience was above three of four of the most recent NFL Wild Card games, but below all of the NFL Divisional Playoff games.

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