Everybody's running scared for financial reasons. Not according to the panelists. It used to be that daytime supported other network programming. Although the soaps still easily sell all their advertising time, the lower ratings mean they don't get paid as much for the time. Therefore, the burden is falling to other programming blocks to support themselves.
Talk shows are cheap to make, which is why they are given more of a chance to find an audience.
Apparently, though, advertisers and programmers are attempting to catch young people as they are establishing viewing and buying habits. Soaps are often passed down from generation to generation. Surprisingly, teenagers and young adults have quite a bit of disposable income to spend, as well. NBC is emphasizing the youth element, particularly in a recent press conference featuring the teens of Sunset Beach and Passions. The popularity of shows like Dawson's Creek and Charmed has caused a teen explosion in all genres - producers are attempting to recreate that magical formula over and over again.