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Benefits Street: Petition calls for programme to be axed | Benefits Street: Petition calls for programme to be axed |
(about 2 hours later) | |
More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Channel 4 to drop its TV show Benefits Street. | More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Channel 4 to drop its TV show Benefits Street. |
The programme started on Monday and follows the lives of people on James Turner Street in Winson Green, Birmingham. | The programme started on Monday and follows the lives of people on James Turner Street in Winson Green, Birmingham. |
Some residents who feature in the show claim the programme makers have portrayed them negatively. | Some residents who feature in the show claim the programme makers have portrayed them negatively. |
But Channel 4 said the programme was "fair and balanced" and they had no plans to withdraw it. | But Channel 4 said the programme was "fair and balanced" and they had no plans to withdraw it. |
'A fair reflection' | 'A fair reflection' |
Former Birmingham resident Arshad Mahmood started the petition, calling for the five-part series to be stopped. | Former Birmingham resident Arshad Mahmood started the petition, calling for the five-part series to be stopped. |
"I'm really surprised with the reaction to the petition. It's doing pretty well," he said. | "I'm really surprised with the reaction to the petition. It's doing pretty well," he said. |
He said he had started the petition because he felt uncomfortable after reading details on social media of threats of violence against some of the participants. | He said he had started the petition because he felt uncomfortable after reading details on social media of threats of violence against some of the participants. |
Mr Mahmood added he had been raised on benefits in the city. | Mr Mahmood added he had been raised on benefits in the city. |
"These are marginalised people with complicated situations being exploited for entertainment, and the thousands who have signed my petition agree with me," he said. | "These are marginalised people with complicated situations being exploited for entertainment, and the thousands who have signed my petition agree with me," he said. |
Channel 4 said the programme had attracted its highest viewing figures in more than a year - 4.3 million. | Channel 4 said the programme had attracted its highest viewing figures in more than a year - 4.3 million. |
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it had received hundreds of complaints about the programme, which is due to end in February. | Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it had received hundreds of complaints about the programme, which is due to end in February. |
"At the end of the day it's up to Channel 4 whether they axe this show," said Mr Mahmood. They should make a donation to local community groups so at least something good comes out of it." | |
However, one of the show's participants, Smoggy, said he had no regrets about having appeared on the show - and that he had been offered three jobs since appearing on it. | |
"Since being on the TV I have had a lot of nice people get in touch," he said. | |
A Channel 4 spokesman said the documentary was "a fair reflection of the reality of life on a street where the majority of households receive benefits". | A Channel 4 spokesman said the documentary was "a fair reflection of the reality of life on a street where the majority of households receive benefits". |
He added: "It is a sympathetic, humane and objective portrayal of how people are coping with continuing austerity and cuts in benefits." | He added: "It is a sympathetic, humane and objective portrayal of how people are coping with continuing austerity and cuts in benefits." |
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