Millions stream Pope announcement as broadcasters pivot to live online video

More than 5.8 million people worldwide were watching live online as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first US American to lead the Catholic Church.

That's according to a report by Streams Charts, an analytics firm that tracked live stream audiences throughout the Vatican's two-day conclave.

News outlets have been pivoting their broadcasts to online for some time, with the strategy paying dividends when viewership surges during live events.

In 2024, BBC News ended its agreement with Australian pay TV platform Foxtel in favour of streaming through its own website; former stablemate Sky News UK remains on the platform while also streaming on YouTube.

US broadcasters have been in the game for years, with CBS News 24/7 streaming on Paramount+, while NBC News Now and ABC News Live are on YouTube.

That had them all ready for a boost from the conclave and the second-day announcement, with ABC News Live making it into Streams Charts' top ten of peak viewers among the 1,762 channels that were streaming the event.

Live events are continuing to be a saving grace for Australian broadcasters as well, with a record audience tuning into federal election coverage as votes were counted.

David Knox's TV Tonight has reported the ABC's election night broadcast drew the largest overnight television audience of 2025 so far. Yes, even higher than MAFS.

Short of putting out a hit on Pope Leo XIV to trigger another conclave, broadcasters will still be keen for more live moments.