I am a big fan of the phrase “If you don’t like it, change the channel”.

I frequently exercise my thumbs surfing through the channels when the only option is a repeat of the Simpsons or Australian Idol, but I have just found myself wondering if there is a place on television for certain programs.

Now I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination.

In fact, I am renowned for managing to send most people a blushing shade of crimson with some of the things I can say, but last night I found myself turning bright red while watching the new home-made drama on Pay TV, Satisfaction.

Based on the stories of a bunch of sex workers in a Melbourne brothel, the show's publicity claimed it focussed more on the stories of the women than the operations of the brothel.

It warned that there was plenty of full-frontal nudity and sex scenes, but nothing prepared me for what was to come.

As a great supporter of Aussie dramas, I tuned in at 7.30pm (yes, 7.30) for some gripping storylines and an insight into a world I had no idea about and instead was treated to some free porn.

The casting of this show held so much promise, with some great Aussie actresses signing up. But it turned out to be a waste of their abilities with the action mainly requiring them to get their gear off and moan convincingly.

Although I am sure Satisfaction has an audience and there are plenty of people who would enjoy this kind of entertainment, I found myself grappling for the remote 15 minutes in and flicking over to Ovation to cleanse my eyes.
What is disturbing about this show (aside from the fact it is on at 7:30) is that it has actually attracted government funding.

A recent newspaper article stated that a number of community organisations had complained that the federal government was throwing money at this production whereas other needy causes (cancer research, child abuse, human rights) were left begging.

And I tend to agree. The government has basically coughed up its dollars for some soft-core porn.

The government should certainly be putting money towards artistic endeavours like television, theatre, music, and art, and, of course, this money needs to be spread across the board to ensure the entire community’s taste is catered for. But surely there were more worthy television shows that could have used the funding.

With the enormous publicity drive for this production, I’m sure there were plenty of people who tuned in to see what life is really like in a brothel, and that makes me wonder how many people found themselves searching through the channels for something more wholesome.

While Satisfaction is clearly an attempt by Austar to meet their local content quota, an activity that should definitely be encouraged, it’s a shame they headed down the tacky road to do it.

- NATHANAEL COOPER

Do you agree that Satisfaction is too tacky? Should the government have put money towards its production? What other television programs make you cringe or leave you red-faced?