Magers, Marin balk at Springer's hiring

Ron Magers and Carol Marin are on a collision course with theirbosses at WMAQ-Channel 5 over the hiring of Jerry Springer.

The stakes are no less than the future of two of Chicago's mostrespected news anchors and the credibility of the NBC-owned station'snews operation.

Springer, the trash talk host known for his exploitative andtitillating topics, has been signed to deliver daily newscommentaries on Channel 5's 10 p.m. newscast, starting May 5. Hissyndicated show, which airs on Channel 5, shares productionfacilities with the station at NBC Tower.For at least his first three nights on the air, Springer is toappear live on the news set. Despite their strong objections, Magersand Marin have been told that they are to introduce Springer'scommentaries.Although both anchors have declined to say publicly that theywon't appear with Springer, colleagues believe that Magers and Marinwill walk out over what they regard as a matter of principle. Bothare under multimillion-dollar contracts with NBC."I'm surprised and more than a bit distressed," Magers said ofSpringer's hiring. Since the announcement was made last Wednesday,Magers has been out front in opposition to the deal, sharing hismisgivings with media types from Jonathon Brandmeier to Irv Kupcinet.When asked whether he may leave Channel 5, Magers told thiscolumn: "I am examining literally all options available to me."Marin sounded equally ominous in expressing her dismay. "To putJerry Springer on a news set at Channel 5 disrespects both the hardwork of the news people here and the loyalty that viewers have givenus over the years," she said. "I think we owe our viewers muchbetter than this."Lyle Banks, president and general manager of Channel 5,downplayed dissension in his newsroom and disagreed that Springer'srole - even as a May sweeps stunt - will affect the newscast'scredibility."If it becomes a problem, we'll have to rethink that," saidBanks, who began talks with Springer months ago. "But I think peopleare smart enough to be provoked, entertained and engaged by some ofthe things that he may offer if we do it correctly."Banks points to Springer's career in the 1980s as a televisionnews anchor and commentator at WLWT-TV in Cincinnati before hissleazy talk show began." `The Jerry Springer Show' is not about the real JerrySpringer," Banks said. "You can look at that show and take it with agrain of salt. But this guy's got a lot of insight and perspectiveand energy. He had a history of tough and hard journalism and was awell-respected anchor (in Cincinnati). For him, the talk show ismore of a plaything or a hobby."That argument doesn't hold water with John Callaway, seniorcorrespondent at WTTW-Channel 11 and the conscience of Chicagobroadcast journalism."Jerry Springer has worked as hard as he can to destroy anyjournalistic credibility he may have had, and he has succeeded,"Callaway said. "That doesn't mean he can't do an amusing or evenincisive couple of minutes each night. But that's not the point."This shows absolute contempt for Chicago, and it's a slap inthe face of that news organization. It's the wrong thing to do. Andit's particularly the wrong thing to do to Carol and Ron. If(management) is trying to throw it in their face, this is thestrongest way to do it. I've never seen anything this spiteful."Even if the controversy results in a short-term ratings boostfor Channel 5, station management should not feel vindicated,Callaway said."I don't care whether it gets a number," he said. "It's justnot right. It's disgraceful. And I think the reaction of theaudience will be profoundly negative."