MORTON DOWNEY JR. SHOW IS HISTORY

Morton Downey Jr., whose combative, ultraconservative style lifted his talk show from a New Jersey studio to nationwide syndication, announced he has harangued his last guest.

MCA Television, WWOR-TV and Quantum Media Inc., joint owners of the show, said in a statement the final episode was taped on June 30.The companies' statement, released Wednesday, said the show would run no more original segments after Sept. 15, the end of Downey's contract with the stations carrying his show.

The show premiered in the New York area on Oct. 19, 1987 and quickly drew attention for Downey's abrasive style. The show was soon syndicated and by early 1988 was being shown in most major U.S. television markets.

But ratings began to slip last spring.