By India McCarty
NBC plans to shut down their first-run syndication division as the network struggles to compete with YouTube and other social media forms, axing shows like ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and THE STEVE WILKOS SHOW.
“NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations,” said Frances Berwick, Chairman Bravo & Peacock Unscripted, who oversees the division. “The company will remain active in the distribution of our existing program library and other off-network titles, while winding down production of our first-run shows. These shows have provided audiences with great talk and entertainment content for many years and we’re very proud of the teams behind them.”
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In addition to ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and THE STEVE WILKOS SHOW, NBC is also shutting down KARAMO. THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW is also coming to an end, which some have theorized gave the network the push to finally shutter their syndication department. Instead, NBC will focus on syndicating shows like DATELINE, LAW & ORDER and CHICAGO P.D.
“I think it’s symptomatic that the economics have changed,” Frank Cicha, the head of programming for Fox TV Stations, told Variety of the changes and challenges in the world of daytime TV. “The levels of audiences that these shows were garnering just couldn’t justify the cost.”
Instead, many viewers are turning to podcasts, watching them on YouTube, Spotify and Netflix. The streamer recently launched their podcast division, partnering with Spotify to bring some of the service’s biggest shows to Netflix.
“At Netflix, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain our members, wherever and however they want to watch,” Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, said. “As video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, our partnership with Spotify allows us to bring full video versions of these top shows to both Netflix and Spotify audiences. From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports, this curated selection of video podcasts adds fresh voices and new perspectives to Netflix, making our entertainment lineup more exciting than ever.”
Roman Wasenmüller, VP, Head of Podcasts at Spotify, added, “This partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting. Together with Netflix, we’re expanding discovery, helping creators reach new audiences, and giving fans around the world the chance to experience the stories they love and uncover favorites they never expected. This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity.”
NBC’s cancellation of these daytime shows, as well as the shutdown of their first-run syndication department, shows that the network is working hard to keep up with the changing entertainment landscape.
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