Jerry Springer to Deliver Alternative MacTaggart at Edinburgh TV Fest

TV personality, journalist and politician Jerry Springer is set to deliver the Alternative MacTaggart at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival.

Springer will give a speech ahead of a Q&A with Channel 4’s head of news and current affairs, Dorothy Byrne, in which he will discuss his long career hosting The Jerry Springer Show, which ran for 27 seasons from 1991 to 2018, as well as his views on the interplay between politics and the media. Springer will share his views on politicians’ relationship with the media and what part traditional news organizations can play to uphold democratic debate in an era of fake news.

The session will take place on Friday, August 23, and will be produced by Jane Millichip, chief commercial officer of Sky Studios.

Springer said: “Clearly one of the most beautiful cities in the world—it’s an honor to be asked to speak, usually I’m being asked to be quiet!”

Advisory Chair Kelly Webb-Lamb said: “As the king of the tabloid talk show, who better to hear from right now? And with Dorothy Byrne by his side, it’s definitely box office. The popcorn is already in the microwave.”

Executive Chair Graham Stuart said: “He is the legendary Godfather of tabloid television. Could there be a more relevant time for him to bare his soul at Edinburgh?”