Cooper sees TV talk show canceled

US journalist and TV presenter Anderson Cooper's eponymous daytime talk show will not be renewed for a third season, its producers said Monday. Flagging viewer numbers and a tough business climate were blamed for the effective cancelation of the syndicated show by Cooper, who also fronts a prime-time current affairs show on CNN, "Anderson Cooper 360." "Anderson" is in its second season, and its producers had relaunched the program by airing it live and revamping its format, but to no avail. "We are extremely proud of Anderson and the show that he and the entire production team have produced," said a spokeswoman for Warner Bros and Telepictures, which produces the show. "While we made significant changes to the format, set and produced it live in its second season, the series will not be coming back for a third season in a marketplace that has become increasingly difficult to break through." "We will continue to deliver top-quality shows throughout next summer," she added. Cooper himself said: "I am very proud of the work that our terrific staff has put into launching and sustaining our show for two seasons. "I am also grateful to Telepictures for giving me the opportunity, and indebted to viewers, who have responded so positively. I look forward to doing more great shows this season, and though I'm sorry we won't be continuing, I have truly enjoyed it." The Warner Bros spokeswoman noted that Cooper is far from the only TV star to struggle in difficult economic times. "Daytime syndication has become very challenging," she said. "Established personalities such as Katie Couric, Ricki Lake, Jeff Probst have all failed to find an audience in the new season, while established veterans have seen their audiences shrink," she said, citing TV medic Dr. Oz. "Ellen appears to now be settling in as the viewers' choice for daytime must-see," she added, referring to talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.