CBS Locks Up Academy of Country Music Awards Through 2021

CBS has locked up the Academy of Country Music Awards in a new 10-year pact through 2021, the network, show producer Dick Clark Productions and the academy announced on Wednesday.

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The awards show has been on CBS for 14 years. And the new deal also includes the continued broadcast of annual two-hour ACM specials. CBS also recently secured a new ten-year deal for the Grammys, which has surged in popularity, last year garnering its best ratings since 2001.

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“With our friends at CBS and our partners at dick clark productions, we’ve grown the Academy’s brand and television properties, consistently delivering hits that country music fans can count on,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, in a statement.  

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. But in a statement, Leslie Moonves, CBS Corporation president and CEO, characterized the ACM awards as “a highly valued partnership” and “one of the marquee broadcasts on our network. "

“It is an entertainment event that continues to grow in scope and popularity," he continued, "and we look forward to working with the ACM and dick clark productions to build on this great momentum over the next decade.”

“The Academy of Country Music Awards is one of the crown jewels in our collection of storied franchises,” added Mark Shapiro, CEO of dick clark productions.  

Last year’s telecast pulled in 13 million viewers and a 3.3 rating in the advertiser coveted 18-49 demographic, giving CBS a win for the night. The rival Country Music Association Awards – which last year spurred a bidding war with CBS and NBC challenging incumbent ABC for the rights to the show – pulls in a younger audience. The 45th annual Country Music Association Awards averaged in 16.3 million viewers with a 4.8 rating in the demo last November on ABC.

This year’s 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast Sunday, April 1 at 8 p.m. on CBS. Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire return to co-host the event from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The show will feature a career achievement tribute to Lionel Richie with appearances by Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Rogers, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry and Martina McBride.