JERRY TO OPRAH: EASE UP

In response to Oprah Winfrey’s outburst to the Sunday London Times that she’s had it with TV — because of the “vulgarity circus” atmosphere promoted by rival talk host Jerry Springer — and that she plans to leave the air in two years, the ever-diplomatic Springer told New York’s Daily News: “I hope she doesn’t quit. She’s great … the best talent there is on television.” And what about her charges that she wouldn’t be surprised if the next step is to show sexual intercourse or a murder on TV? “I think there will always be outrageousness,” said Jer. “We didn’t invent outrageousness.” Furthermore, of Oprah’s utter disgust, Springer says, “That’s her view. My mother wouldn’t have liked my show, but I still love her.”