The total should stretch toward 21 million when digital viewers over seven days are finally added in.
(Social media presence will also have grown.)
Thats not bad, given precipitous declines in prior years.
“Oppenheimer” filmmakers and cast accepting the Best Picture Oscar on SundayGetty
Youve barely signed a new contract when that nervous feeling starts to creep in.
The clock begins ticking on Day One.
By the halfway point, you start to sweat.
What happens when it ends (yet again)?
Will they renew you?
The big contract, of course, is the domestic television broadcast deal withABC.
The contract was a gold mine.
But that deal, which was signed in August 2016, was born in a completely different ratings environment.
And not a single show since has come close to that number.
Weakest was the lockdown year, 2021, when 10.4 million people watchedNomadlandwin the Best Picture Oscar.
This year, the vastly popularOppenheimerdrew twice as many viewers.
But when it comes to dealmaking dynamics, that isnt enough.
Now, 20 million viewers is considered a good year, something to cheer about.
But thats half of what was considered average back when the expiring domestic television deal was negotiated.
Tactically, Academy officials were probably wise to align their expiration dates.
That opens the door to an across-the-board reboot, if needed.
So for the Academy, some serious deal anxiety is in order.
All options are worth exploring.
Alternative revenue, internal tightening and still more fund-raising will be a must.
Academy officials are aware.
you’re able to count on it.
