Springer stepped down as Mayor in 1981 and, after an unsuccessful bid for governor in the Ohio Democratic primary, joined Cincinnati's WLWT-TV as a political reporter and commentator in 1982. Two years later he graduated to news anchor and managing editor, becoming Cincinnati's number one anchor until he relinquished his post in January 1993. Springer launched his eponymous syndicated talk show from Cincinnati in 1991. The following year, he moved it to Chicago where it has flourished. He signed a contract that guarantees "Jerry Springer Show" junkies their fix through the year 2002.
A concerned humanitarian who has raised millions of dollars for charity, Springer suffered his greatest personal trial at the arrival of his only child, born legally blind, deaf in one ear and without nasal passages. He has also imitated Elvis Presley, recorded a country album and opened for Billy Ray Cyrus, sung rock-and-roll at Johnny Depp's Viper Room and suited up to play goalie for the International Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals. Additionally, Springer has appeared as himself on episodes of such TV series as "Roseanne" (ABC), "Married ... With Children" (Fox), "Between Brothers" (UPN) and "The X-Files" (Fox).