CBS Renews Grammys Broadcast Deal Through 2021

2012 awards to be broadcast on Feb. 12

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/21/2011 11:18:12 AM

CBS and The Recording Academy have a reached a new 10-year deal to keep the annual Grammy Awards broadcast on the network through 2021.

CBS has broadcast the Grammys since 1973. The 54^th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.

"We are excited to be the home of the Grammys for another decade and to continue our long and mutually beneficial partnership with The Recording Academy," said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO, CBS Corporation. "The long-term structure of this deal will provide even greater continuity with marketing and sales opportunities for both organizations for an event that continues to grow in size and scope - both culturally and commercially."

The deal also includes the continued broadcast of the one-hour special "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! - Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," This year's special, which will again include the nominations announcement, will air live on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011.

The new agreement also adds a new two-hour series of Grammy specials, to be announced at a later date.

2011's Grammy broadcast attracted 26.7 million viewers, its largest audience since 2000. The broadcast averaged a 10 rating/27 share with adults 18-49, its best delivery in the demo since 2004.