TV host Jerry Springer has slammed television personalities like Oprah Winfrey for trying to encourage personal growth in the lives of their viewers. The 63-year-old, who is known for stirring up family tensions on his controversial show, insists it is not the role of a talk-show host to make the world a better place.

He says, "That is where television crosses the line. Where you get a TV personality who says what you ought to do and pretend that you are taking this person and fixing their life."

"How arrogant to believe that a one-hour television show can fix a person. I'm not advising them, I'm not qualified to do that. I'm a TV guy, a lawyer, I'm not a psychiatrist or a psychologist and I think it is wrong for television to pretend."

No comment. :rolleyes:

While I agree with anyone who says Dr. Phil isn't quite the same in the past couple years, it's just interesting to see criticism from Jerry. At least he's said that he knows the fact that his show is a circus and doesn't try to advertise it as anything better. If he did, that would have made him sound like the world's biggest hypocrite.

I admit I was a huge Springer addict from 1997-00. But now I think it's just gotten old. And truth be told, I would rather watch a Dr. Phil or Oprah episode anyday over Jerry now. I love talk show hosts and episodes that are in a lively and helpful mood as much as I loved Jenny Jones' show as a kid.

Ya...jerry is wrong. I too rather watch Oprah ellen, or Dr. Phil over him.

the fact that his shows don't have councillors on hand, its no wonder most of his guests lose their tempers and lash out, and thus all hell breaks loose

Being criticized by Jerry Springer is like a 500 lb person, wearing a spring green shirt and shocking pink pants that are way too tight telling you you need to go on a diet and that you dress like sh*t. He should only be as good as Oprah. Although I must admit that when it comes to bad taste, he is the Grand Master.