“Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe responded to critics of his new show “Somebody’s Gotta Do It,” which airs on the Christian television brand Trinity Broadcasting Network.
In a lengthy Facebook post last week, Rowe defended his decision to air his show on TBN, citing the fact that he has hosted programs and specials on several different networks over the span of his career.
Writing to Rowe on social media, a user who goes by the name Jane Lew opined, “You’ve chosen your audience, Mike and it excludes and offends me. Ultimately, it has to be about money which contradicts your content. Your choice of network contradicts the inclusiveness of your content as well. I hope your short-sighted decision has a huge payout. If not, you are just moronic.”
“Hi Jane. Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it. Couple points,” he began.
“If appearing on TBN means I’ve ‘chosen my audience,’ so be it,” Rowe said. “But you should know that I’ve also appeared on CNN, FOX, MSNBC, History, Discovery, National Geographic, Science Channel, Animal Planet, Destination America, PBS, NPR, ABC, CBS, NBC, and over a hundred different radio stations. In other words, if I have ‘chosen my audience,’ I’ve picked a much larger one than you’ve given me credit for.”
He continued, “Obviously, there are many people on this page who don’t care to watch all of the various networks I’ve appeared on. But only a few of them seem determined to announce their displeasure publicly. Why do you suppose that is?
“I’m afraid I don’t understand how TBN contradicts the ‘inclusiveness’ of (Somebody’s Gotta Do It),” he added. “A network’s identity is a reflection of the programs it chooses to air. If TBN had an issue with the kinds of people included on SGDI, they wouldn’t put the show on the air. And if I demanded every network I do business with comport with my personal view of the world, I’d be broadcasting only to myself. Or as they say in the chapel, preaching to the choir…”
“And really – where’s the fun in that,” Rowe concluded.
Mike Rowe previously spoke with Daily Wire podcast host Andrew Klavan on the dangers of tribalism. Watch a clip below: