Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer | You Can Call Me Mr. Springer
4/9/202619 min
At the height of The Jerry Springer Show’s popularity, Springer himself is called in front of Chicago City Council to answer for the violent behavior that appears on the show. As he joked, hedged, and defended the debauchery on his program, few would recall that he was once a city councilman himself – a rising star in the democratic party – and a beloved and trusted local news anchor. How did Springer go from idealistic young politician to host of the “world’s worst television show”, and what was his legacy?
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First 90 secondsWilliam Beavers· Soundbite0:02
Will you state your name for the record, please?
Jerry Springer· Soundbite0:04
Um, my name is, uh, Jerry Springer.
William Beavers· Soundbite0:07
Will you spell your last name? [laughs] For the court reports.
Jerry Springer· Soundbite0:13
S-P-R-I-N-G-E-R.
William Beavers· Soundbite0:17
Okay, and the first- On June 4th, 1999, the Chicago City Council chambers turned into a stage.
Leon Neyfakh· Host0:24
It was a full house. Even the balcony seats were taken, and multiple cable networks were broadcasting the proceedings live. At the center of it all was a man in surprisingly good spirits for someone who had been dragged in front of a government tribunal to answer for his sins.
Ed Burke· Soundbite0:40
And, uh, Mr. Springer, what is your business or occupation?
Jerry Springer· Soundbite0:43
Um, I, uh, host a, um, a television show. It's called The Jerry Springer Show.
Ed Burke· Soundbite0:52
And, um, are you also a licensed attorney?
Leon Neyfakh· Host0:57
As everyone in the room knew, The Jerry Springer Show wasn't just a television show. It was an international phenomenon that, to many, represented nothing less than the decline of Western civilization. It was the first talk show in over a decade to beat Oprah in the ratings, and its reputation as one of the trashiest, ugliest, most depraved shows in the history of TV was uncontested.
Jerry Springer· Soundbite1:22
Tell us about this bizarre relationship you have.
Ed Burke· Soundbite1:25
Well, I'm pregnant by my brother.
Speaker 21:26
Oh.
Leon Neyfakh· Host1:28
On any given day, you could tune in