Shows like “Access Hollywood”, “Access Live”, “Karamo”, and “The Steve Wilkos Show” have been cancelled. This as NBC Universal will no longer produce first-run syndicated television programming in a major strategic shift for the company.

According to THR, both “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilkos Show” have completed production. Their new taped episodes will air throughout the summer. Both “Access Hollywood” and “Access Live” will continue their production through the summer before wrapping up.

In a statement from Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted, she said this change is being made to “to better align with the programming preferences of local stations.”

First-run syndicated TV are shows that are broadcast for the first time directly in syndication rather than premiering on a specific network. Meaning that those shows are sold directly to local television stations across the country.

Access Hollywood has been around for almost 30 years. Currently, the hosts are Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans and Zuri Hall. The show had been affected by layoffs last fall. It’s sad to say that this seems like the end of an era at NBC for entertainment journalism. This announcement comes about a month after NBC also announced that “The Kelly Clarkson Show” would also be ending later this year.

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Talk shows have been coming under financial pressure. Affected by rising costs, less of a demand, and increased competition from other platforms. Audiences have been shifting their attention to video podcasts. They have been able to pick up more celebrity guests and focus on specific subjects for their target audience. All at a much lower cost.

What are your thoughts on the changes at UNBC? Let us know in the comment section below!