SBS decides to fast-track final two episodes of Struggle Street to capitalise on public interest
SBS will fast-track the rest of controversial documentary series Struggle Street by showing a two-hour double episode block next Wednesday from 8:30pm, due to the significant public interest around the show.
It said the decision was also out of consideration for the participants of the show, after Mayor of Blacktown Stephen Bali accused SBS of setting them up in a bad light in the first episode before showing the more positive aspects of their lives in the second and third episodes.
The broadcaster has also categorically rejected allegations participants were filmed without their knowledge, scenes were engineered and participants were induced to take part in the series and production staff helped participants procure drugs.
SBS responded that the allegations of “falsified scences” were “serious, defamatory and damaging” and were absolutely without basis.
According to SBS, light refreshments and mobile phone credit were among the courtesies provided to participants and no inducements were made to participants. Copies of signed release forms that were previously not provided to some participants will now be provided.
SBS also responded to allegations of criminality by employees of the production company Keo Films Australia, including driving participants to get drugs.
“The allegations that members of the production team aided or abetted or were in any way involved in the commission of alleged criminal offences are seriously defamatory and we are advised are absolutely denied by the production team involved,” it said in a statement.
The first episode of Struggle Street, which was edited following objections from participants, went to air on Wednesday night to a warm response online.
Jack Fisher
I think that the Real Housewives of Melbourne has done more to damage the reputation of Victoria’s capital than Struggle Street has done to Mount Druitt.
Maybe Melbournians need to blockade the Foxtel head office with their four wheel drives and Lexus’
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Congratulations to SBS for an unvarnished view of life on struggle street in Mt Druitt. Like most residents of struggle street, life for 52-year-old Lance and his 10 children and 18 grandchildren has more downs than ups. But compared with life in Third World countries, Lance and his family have it easy.
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Real Housewives of Melbourne? That’s a thing?
Jesus christ Foxtel must be a cesspit. Assume it comes with wall to wall ads?
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The voice over was patronising,dated tone, over written and cliched. A good doco lets the stories unfold and the participants tell that story, not have it stitched up by relentless narration. As for the promo – appalling! Can you think of any other program that shows such disrespect for its participants – a real fart attack ! I mean would you let a fart slip though on Real Housewives of Melbourne who go off for a tinkle with lapel mic still attached to their wonder bra ?
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In my humble opinion , I thought the program outstanding in highlighting the plight of generational unemployed, abused, drug effected and disadvantaged families in places like Mt D. and Claymore. I made my 2 silver spooned offspring watch with the singular purpose of discussing how we as a family could do more to help people less fortunate.. that are right here in our own country. Our politicians need to be forced to watch this sort of stuff!
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Hang in there SBS. Whether it is asylum seekers or Mt. Druitt, you are THE BEST. Yes, there were a few faults, but none of us is perfect. It also shows the strengths of some of the community – the love and care for their families, in spite of everything, their WISH to do the right things – if only they had positive role models and more help. Some is there, but they do not know how to access it, perhaps.
Best wishes. Long may you continue. Without you and the ABC “4 Corners” where would we be?
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Dear SBS,
I read two reviews about the show, but decided to watch to judge for myself. it was an excellent, sympathetically portrayed documentary. I have nothing but sympathy for those families. I am in awe that they still care. about their family and extended family I wish I could help them. there but for the grace of god go I. a sensational portrait
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Night woman – Absolutely right! The voice-over was a huge error, a cop out in fact. The technique is an admission by the producers that they took the easy way, not letting the visuals speak for themselves.As well, the tone of the voice was almost menacing. At least the plight of the locals got through which is something. But the format was late 70s style and clunky.
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It amazes me that people who viewed the show talk about its integrity. The show misses the point about these individuals. There is severe cognitive impairment, illicit drug abuse, severe mental illness and likely implied sexual abuse and rape, Indigenous Aboriginal disenfranchised due to white colonialism, all shown for entertainment in a packaged series. There is nothing to explain to middle class Australia what these issues are about and how they interact with the low socioeconomic status that they have. It’s un-real, and un-Australian.
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Thought it was great. Insightful and telling it like it is. All the righteous indignation from some correspondents smacks of hypocrisy. Get real. Admit it. It is not fabricated.
Compared to some countries in the world, these people still have it lucky with reasonable government support. How they spend it or who they trust with it, is the problem.
But – there was still a lot of love in all the misery out there.
Drugs – the scourge of our age for people trying to find a way through the vacuum of their lives and they don’t care which socio-economic group they target.
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what you seen is the good side of the area
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Those that are complaining about the show are usually in a privilege position within society. Wouldn’t it be good if they could help these people instead of denying their reality?
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Many of the comments here seem to agree with cutting welfare or tax benefits for the low SES and allow middle and high SES groups to have more, from this year’s budget. Young economists know that a percentage of unemployment is required to allow the economy to function. The SBS have sold this year’s budget on Hockey’s behalf with this series. Every comment here highlights that the individuals have it easy. Wait until we’re all old age, I’d like to see you agree with that statement then.
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well well now the cats out of the bag and the public has seen the struggle of some australians lets see the government start throwing the blame around stop sitting on your hands and go have a look for yourself PM.
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