SBS to air Struggle Street tonight but admits to cutting scenes after consulting with participants
Garbage trucks in a protest outside SBS’s Sydney offices. Photo: Natasha Raina
SBS will air controversial documentary series Struggle Street after meeting with objectors who launched a petition for SBS to suspend the broadcast, despite a blockade of its headquarters by garbage trucks this morning.
Chief content officer Helen Kellie admitted the first episode has been edited “out of respect”, following a screening with one of the participating families. One of the scenes which has been cut is a man breaking wind, which is featured in the promo.
“We wanted to share with them some of the portrayal in episode one,” Kellie told a press conference. “Indeed they made some small commentary about things that they were uncomfortable with. We immediately out of that meeting made those changes because we felt that it didn’t distort the story.”
how can you not be aware of the camera man in the room, unless you forgot because you were so stoned.
WSFM audio producer David Post revealed this morning that the fart audio was edited in. He found and played the exact same one used in the TV show. It’s on a sound effects library disc labelled Hollywood Edge – Disc 13, track 89
Gotta be good for SBS’s PR profile. Lovin it.
Looks great. Looking forward to it.
I’m so not missing this!! Thanks to the PR
Is that the voice of Martin di satsio from frontline?
Boo hoo hoo. The place is a nightmare. I know there are decent folk living there and they put up with a lot from others who try and make life difficult. The doco series could actually be more full on. The animal welfare situ out there sux. I have to go in and rescue, rehome and help them with their animals all the time. Many are quite fond of allowing their animals to breed and then trying to flog them off on sites like Gumtree for free to God knows who. It’s a lot like being a DOCS caseworker only for animals. In fact, one of the doco participants, a family, look like they might be backyard dog breeders.
Here’s hoping this brings SBS some massive ratings tonight! Might even TARP a 3
What time is the show on?
Wow,continuity issues in the first episode, William has a beard, then clean shaven, then a beard, then clean shaven. Frantic last minute editing by SBS?
It was originally a three part series and now it’s been cut to two. That a LOT of editing!
I watched the episode tonight and was touched by the fundamental goodness of the people there – the way they cared for each other, tried to live worthwhile lives and made do on almost nothing. I stopped noticing other things, I was so taken by the people in the centre of the documentary. There was real love and care there – and that matters a lot. I hope some people move in the give them a hand up.
I thought this production brought humanity and a beacon of hope to all those that do their best to avoid Struggle Street. I showed the individuals as human beings with their aims and ambitions much like the rest of us. It allowed us to identify with their struggle and say, ‘But there before the grace of god go I’. That these people would let us into their lives too great courage.
Congratulations to the residents of Struggle Street and congratulations to SBS
I refused to watch once I heard they cut out the fart scene.
Obviously a lot of editing, but some real issues relating to drugs , diet and health (smoking- how do they afford those cancer sticks). Not sure what needs to be done from that point of view . Their should be some responsibility to use this tax funded footage to improve quality of life rather than for entertainment purposes The most ironic shot was the ex-mayor of the shire saying that they could relate to their plight from her waterfront mansion.
We need documentaries like this , it helps humanise all society and remind us that it about family and caring love and being there for each other. I felt the same way about the amazing movie ” Samson and Delilah ” too often many of us judge others harshly fail to see what is important love and hope.
An appalling document which only serves to reinforce people’s views of the poor.
Will SBS do a sequel and show us how the rich lives, how much money is spent on cars, designer clothes, food and houses? Shame on you SBS
It seems that the documentary hit a nerve with a number of people. That’s not a bad thing at all. Mount Druitt is an interesting place – that has been tarred with a terrible reputation. The facts are quite different. Many people in the area don’t have much, and yes, the area does have its share of drug addicted people, and a criminal element… not indifferent to many other communities – including the “better” ones across the country. But there is also a pride and warmth in the place which is rather special. Thankyou SBS for putting this out there.
@Nancy
Did you even watch the show? Clearly not..
Enjoyed the show and felt SBS have done a great job. The people featured should be proud. However, there are Struggle Streets everywhere, and if think perhaps a powerful portrayal of humanity has been diminished by focusing on one town. PS – I also feel the Council has diminished itself by trying to say these problems don’t exist. A simple show of understanding and caring would have achieved so much more.
If that is the original Ian MacRae in comment 2, I loved hearing you back on the air recently. Brought back many happy memories of when you were the King of Sydney radio.
Yep, I’m the comment 2 guy Kerry.
I am shocked that there are suburbs like this in Australia and for one, the ice addicted son could not help be found for him. What about family counselling for the whole family, it is obvious that there needs to be change. The Mum is trying to do her best and why hasn’t she asked for help. The ice problem is a police matter why have they not been able to do something. My heart goes out to all the people in Mt. Druitt and as I am in public housing too my flat is not as bad as theirs seem to be.It seems to me that there are many problems that need a great big community effort of all people pulling together and doing something, there is an answer and it needs to happen sooner than later. The community at large should be asking what can we do to help.
IS THIS WHERE OUR TAX MONEY IS GOING