Lifetime TV to air Deadbeat Dads

I never thought being a divorced father would put me in a special interest group, but in doing marketing research for my memoir on divorced dadhood, I came across several “dads’ rights” websites, activists, and blogs arguing for stronger child custody protections, fighting media stereotypes, and even debunking what they consider domestic violence myths.

The volume of their buzzing reached a new decibel when Lifetime TV announced their intention to air Deadbeat Dads, a reality show in which National Child Support founder Jim Durham travels about the country, lassoing fathers who refuse to pay child support. Originally called “Bad Dads,” the idea was floated — then apparently sunk — at FOX. The only real surprise is that it was never called “POPS.”

Of course, one can say hunting deadbeat dads on Lifetime is no different than going after dog beaters on Animal Planet, blowing up gophers on the Golf Channel, or inviting Richard Simmons on The 700 Club. The audience wants blood. And deadbeat dads are an easy target, MUCH easier than single moms ever were (see: D. Quayle vs. M. Brown, 1992).

NJ Star-Ledger