The very first
episode gave us a shocking insight into how ‘the other half live’, and has
left most of the nation gripped. I’m
referring to the Channel 4 TV series, “Benefits Street”.
The documentary
series about the residents of deprived James Turner Street in Birmingham has
prompted almost 300 complaints to Television Standards Agency, Ofcom and more
then 100 to Channel 4 themselves.
Many concerns
over the negative portrayal of benefits claims and criminal activity are among
the more serious issues complained about. References to drug and alcohol usage
as well as watching two men removing alarm tags from stolen items of clothing
can be considered to encourage younger viewers of the programme. Is it
acceptable for the younger generation of this country to witness this sort of
immoral behaviour?
The programme also gave a very sorrowful
vision into the struggle that newer residents on the street faced. The new
influx of Romanians to James Turner Street wasn’t very warm and pleasant, and
it gave a very sad but realist perception of what life is like since coming to
the UK and the struggles they are facing. It could be argued that highlighting
the struggles faced by newer international residents could insight more hate
campaigns and anger surrounding their presence.
Ofcom's regulations state "material
likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder
must not be included in television or radio services".
Channel 4 have
stated the programme is “purely observational captivity” and that it is not
designed to encourage or condone this type of behaviour, but it still poses the
question, that if it is broadcast on national television, is it acceptable?
