Country Music Association Extends Relationship With Disney Through 2032
Beginning this year, the CMA Awards will be simulcast live across ABC and Disney+.
Black News 
The Country Music Association (CMA) and Disney have extended their agreement for the CMA Awards, as well as entertainment specials CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas, through 2032.
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The six-year extension, which builds on a 20-year collaboration between the CMA and ABC, includes expanded opportunities across streaming and digital platforms. As part of the new agreement, the CMA Awards will stream live on Disney+ for the first time, alongside its traditional broadcast on ABC, kicking off with the 60th annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Last year, the show aired live coast-to-coast on ABC, with streaming the next day on Hulu.
The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. As of 2030, they will have aired on ABC longer than they did on any of their previous broadcast partners. The first CMA Awards in 1967 wasn’t televised. After that, the show aired on NBC from 1968-71 and on CBS from 1972-2005.
“For two decades, Disney has been CMA’s partner in celebrating excellence in country music and bringing its artists and storytelling to audiences around the world,” Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, said in a statement. “Extending our collaboration with Disney and expanding the show to livestream on Disney+ marks an exciting next step for CMA, allowing us to reach new audiences while continuing our role in elevating and shaping the genre. As I prepare to retire at the end of the year, ensuring CMA is strongly positioned for the future has remained one of my highest priorities, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. As we approach the 60th annual CMA Awards this fall and a new chapter for CMA Fest in the new stadium in 2027, I’m excited for what’s ahead for both CMA and country music.”
“We’re grateful to Sarah Trahern and our incredible partners at the Country Music Association and are excited to continue hosting the most iconic night in Country Music for years to come,” said Debra OConnell, chairman of Disney Entertainment Television. “Disney has long been the home for the very best in live entertainment and now, with the addition of Disney+, we are expanding the show’s reach like never before.”
