SBS slammed over 'Struggle Street' documentary series
SBS headquarters at Artarmon will turn into Struggle Street tomorrow as garbage trucks blockade it over a controversial documentary series.
The new program, which follows the lives of Mount Druitte locals, has prompted residents to organise a protest over what they say is the broadcaster's unflattering depiction of their area.
SBS claimed the series would present a balanced view of life in Sydney's western suburb, but it's upset many residents while the local Mayor calls it 'publicly-funded poverty porn'.
Ashley Kennedy and his wife, Peta, who feature in the show, are furious at the way Struggle Street has been edited, saying it is sensational.
About a dozen Blacktown Council garbage trucks will blockade SBS's Artarmon offices in Sydney on Wednesday to express anger over the three-part show.
The protest is backed by Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali, who has called it "publicly funded poverty porn" that doesn't reflect life in the area.
"They've found enough there to ridicule these people, it's absolutely ridiculous," he said.
Mr Bali has called for the show to be pulled or at least postponed until participants are shown the series before it is aired.
More than 1500 people have signed a petition to have the show canned.
However, SBS content director Helen Kellie is standing by the controversial documentary.
"We think it is an important story to tell and we stand by the fact that what we show on air is a fair reflection of the time we spent filming," she said.
The first of three episodes will screen tomorrow night.
See the trailer:
