A couple of things, I doubt Dr Phil comes up with the show topics. He has a big team, it would be rare he sits around deciding shows. However the positive of having your own show, it will be your opinion. You're not going to get on and say the opposite. But as far as coming up with the solutions, it would be a a team effort. It's like ready, steady cook. The chefs don't have 2 minutes to think about what to cook,they stop filming for half an hour and about 4 people come on and write a menu!!! Very little to do with the actual "tv personalities".
His show is for entertainment, yes just like Jerry springers is, and majority of people watching want to feel better about themselves, therefore watching a show like this will do just that.
I would also think there is a reason for this show. Maybe there have been some recent problems with some particular homebirths. One thing is, he will have someone on the other side of the argument.
People will always rip apart anything on tv, in a book, newspaper etc, that's human nature it seems, but I would also think he has helped some people too.
But when it comes down to it, anyone in the minority can be entertainment and for some reason the audience finds a comfort in this. Its' all for ratings, don't be fooled.