ABC extends CMA broadcast deal through 2021

0

The ABC Television Network and the Country Music Association announced a 10-year extension of their broadcast agreement. The new deal keeps the CMA franchises, including the “CMA Awards,” the “CMA Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” and the “CMA Country Christmas,” on the Alphabet Network through 2021.


“We are thrilled that the CMA and country music will continue to call ABC their home for the next 10 years. We have built an incredible partnership together, and that partnership will only grow stronger over the next decade,” said ABC Entertainment Group President Paul Lee.

“We value our partnership with ABC and their commitment to CMA and Country Music,” said Steve Moore, CEO of CMA. “ABC has demonstrated a passion for the format and our television properties. We have seen the CMA Music Festival special grow to three hours, we have added a holiday special, ‘CMA Country Christmas,’ and our crown jewel, the ‘CMA Awards,’ has reached a new, enthusiastic audience.”

“The 45th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, were scheduled to air live on Wednesday, November 9th (8:00-11:00 pm ET) on ABC.

For the second consecutive year, “CMA Country Christmas,” hosted by Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, is scheduled to air Thursday, December 1 (9:00-11:00 pm ET) on ABC. The two-hour television special, which is produced by CMA, will feature many of today’s top Country artists performing traditional holiday favorites and sharing their personal holiday traditions. “CMA Country Christmas” will tape in front of a live audience on Thursday, November 10 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.