1989 SPECIAL REPORT: "TRASH TELEVISION"

The term “trash TV” is a derogatory slang term for a subgenre of tabloid talk show that aims to create controversy or confrontation. Some shows that are considered to be examples of trash TV from the 1980s include:

Geraldo

This show, hosted by Geraldo Rivera, featured controversial guests and theatrics. For example, one episode in 1988 about white power skinheads ended in a brawl that left Rivera with a broken nose. Newsweek called the show “Trash TV” after the incident.

The Morton Downey Jr. Show

This syndicated talk show, hosted by Morton Downey Jr., ran from 1987 to 1989 and is considered to have pioneered the trash TV format.

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