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Sharpton Takes 'Job' with Spike TV

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

12:04 PM PT

The Rev. Al Sharpton -- activist, minister, one-time presidential candidate -- is adding "reality show star" to his rather varied resume.

Sharpton will serve as "the ultimate career counselor and motivational coach" in a Spike TV series called "I Hate My Job," scheduled for a fall debut. The show will follow eight men who chuck the jobs they disdain and get three months to go after the kind of work they've dreamed of doing.

"I fully support the message of this show: If you hate your job and want a change, get up and do it," Sharpton says. "And I look forward to guiding these neophytes on a successful and enriching career path."

Each episode will feature Sharpton and psychologist Stephanie Raye (TLC's "Date Patrol") offering guidance and weekly assignments to the men in pursuit of their dream jobs. They will also be part of a panel that determines whether the guys deserve to continue receiving their help.

"Reverend Sharpton came from a modest upbringing and became a major political force and presidential candidate," says Kevin Kay, head of programming and production at Spike TV. "He's lived the American Dream, so he's the perfect person for our eight contestants to learn from."

Sharpton mounted a campaign for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination earlier this year, although he failed to win many votes in the primaries and eventually gave his support to presumptive nominee John Kerry. The long-time New York political activist has also run for the U.S. Senate and mayor of New York City while leading the National Action Network, a civil-rights group.

He's no stranger to television, either. In addition to frequent talk-show appearances, Sharpton hosted "Saturday Night Live" late last year and has had talks with CNBC about an on-air role.