NBCUniversal Exits First-Run Syndication Business

NBCUniversal has announced it is exiting the first-run syndication business, ending production on several long-running daytime television programs including the entertainment news staple Access Hollywood. The decision, revealed on Friday, marks a significant pivot for the media company amid evolving viewer habits and local station preferences.

The affected shows are Access Hollywood, its companion program Access Live, Karamo, and The Steve Wilkos Show. Production on Karamo and The Steve Wilkos Show has already concluded, with remaining episodes scheduled to air through the summer. Access Hollywood and Access Live will continue taping new content until the end of summer, after which no further episodes will be produced. This follows the earlier announcement that The Kelly Clarkson Show, NBCUniversal's flagship daytime talk program, will conclude after seven seasons later this year.

Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted for NBCUniversal, explained the rationale in a statement. "NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations," she said. "The company will remain active in the...