In a significant shift, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will no longer be broadcast exclusively on MTV. After four decades with the music network, the iconic awards ceremony is transitioning to CBS. This move coincides with CBS's nearing conclusion of its long-standing partnership with the Grammy Awards. While CBS has been the home of the Grammys since 1973, Disney recently secured a ten-year deal to air the event on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, starting in 2027. Meanwhile, the VMAs are set to maintain their presence on MTV while expanding to CBS for a broader audience reach.

Details of the Transition

In the golden glow of autumn, CBS will host the VMAs live from UBS Arena in New York on September 7th. The decision to bring the show to CBS marks a strategic move as the network prepares to part ways with the Grammy Awards. The 2024 edition of the VMAs demonstrated a resurgence in popularity, drawing its largest multi-network audience since 2020. Notable performances included Chappell Roan’s dramatic medieval-inspired act and Sabrina Carpenter’s electrifying encounter with an alien.

The 2025 VMAs will feature executive producers Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the show over the past decade. Their involvement underscores a commitment to revitalizing the ceremony, which has seen a decline in social relevance in recent years. As Gillmer noted last year, while core award shows like the VMAs continue to thrive, the market may be oversaturated with similar events.

From a journalist's perspective, this transition signifies more than just a change in broadcasting platforms. It represents an evolution in how music award ceremonies adapt to shifting cultural landscapes. By embracing CBS alongside MTV, the VMAs aim to reconnect with a wider demographic and rekindle the excitement that once defined them. This move could inspire other longstanding entertainment franchises to reconsider their traditional formats and explore new avenues for growth.