Tax Breaks Entice "Jerry Springer Show" to Connecticut

By Kalyn Belsha in News on Feb 28, 2009 4:45PM

Looks like it's bye, bye to those chants of "Jerry, Jerry." "The Jerry Springer Show," which has been taped at the NBC Tower in Chicago since 1992, plans to move to Connecticut this summer just in time for the host's 19th season to begin, sources told the Tribune. According to Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell, NBC Universal and her state are working to build a TV production studio about 30 miles from New York City in Stamford, Conn.

Sources say the new facility will house Springer's program as well two others. "The Steve Wilkos Show," will also be leaving Chicago, and Maury Povich's nationally syndicated program, "Maury," will be moving from New York. Wilkos, once a Chicago police officer, was the former director of security for the "Springer" show and will be entering the third season of his own.

The relocation to Connecticut brings with it a 30 percent annual tax credit for the distribution company, as well as a 20 percent tax credit on infrastructure costs after the first $1 million is spent. While Illinois state increased its tax credit for some television and movie production from 20 percent to 30 percent this year, non-scripted programming is not eligible, according to the Sun-Times.