I don't exploit poor people, says Jerry Springer

The pioneer of the confrontational television show, Jerry Springer, has told Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman he believes his own show is ''stupid'' but says he is not ashamed of it.

And he has denied that his style of broadcasting exploited the poor.

His remarks follow controversy over Channel 4's documentary series Benefits Street, which prompted complaints to the broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.

TV bosses were criticised for portraying residents in a bad light, and encouraging criminal behaviour.