Viewers of Junior MasterChef have been given the edited version of the kiddie cooking contest it seems, with producers cutting out the emotional meltdown of one contestant this week.
Producers of the popular show yesterday found themselves defending their decision to remove the crying scenes of a 12-year-old from the episode, that were witnessed by media and other visitors to the set in August.
The child broke down twice during the pressure test, was then given an extra 10 minutes to complete the task and later received counselling by staff psychologists.
The episode that went to air Monday night was a heavily-edited version. The show may now face scrutiny over manipulating footage, and potentially misleading viewers on the way it’s affecting the young contestants.
Executive producer Margie Bashfield is said to have agonised over the episode.Channel 10 said in a statement: “Many hours, often days, of shooting go into the production of a single Junior MasterChef episode.”
“Therefore, only those moments that enhance the storyline or affect the outcome of a challenge are able to be included in the final edit.”
Licensed social worker and certified family life educator Jody Pawel said to www.smh.com.au that competition can be healthy for children if it focuses more on doing the best that they can, rather than being the best, learning new skills or having fun.
According to smh.com.au, by this definition, Junior Masterchef contestants engage in unhealthy competition since the aim of the show is individual competition to be the best, and it is being broadcast to millions of people, including children.
Rhiannon Zanetic
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