Talk show host Jerry Springer told a packed Ames courtroom at the Harvard Law School on Friday that although his is the "stupidest show on television," its presence in the marketplace helps "endorse the concepts of freedom and liberty."

"The First Amendment is not for The Boston Globe or Newsweek," Springer said. "You're only free if everyone is, if you can say something outside American mainstream thought."

"The reason people hate the show is because they don't like the people on the show. We saw Princess Di on T.V. talking about cheating on her husband and about her bulimia. No one said 'How dare she.' No. She looked great and spoke the Queen's English."

Springer said that if all television programs were like his show, the medium would be unwatchable.

However, Springer said his show provides entertainment for millions of people. That, he added, is important after a long day of work, or for people who have little else to entertain them in their lives.

Springer also challenged the assumption that his show corrupts children.

"If anything, it's a morality play," he said. "The good guys win and the bad guys invariably lose. No one watches the show and says tomorrow I'm going to become a transvestite."

While Springer said he does not think his show encourages immoral behavior, he said he sees soap operas and big-budget movies as blurring lines between good and bad behavior. Springer says his show does not exploit people.