What Can You Say/Not Say on the Air? New Content Rules from CRTC

Several people have been asking station execs questions about this lately. There are two documents you need to consider to answer this question. One is the station's Code of Conduct (posted on the wall by the couch at the station). The other is CRTC regulations, which affect our ability to continue to broadcast. Here's a detailed response from the Programming Coordinator to one inquiry.

In general, you cannot play anything racist/homophobic/ageist (etc) that promotes discrimination, hatred, ridicule or abuse of any particular ethnic/social group.

In this case, the theme of censorship (or an examination of the definitionof 'PC') is not sufficient to justify playing offensive work, nor is a warning to listeners sufficient if you do, nor is waiting until after 10pm (when children may not be listening). None of these will operate as get-out-of-jail-free cards.

Coincidentally, the CRTC applied a new code of standards to our sector concerning this area just today. You can find it online here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2008/pb2008-23.htm

Key Points:

Clause 2 – Human Rights

Recognizing that every
person has the right to full and equal recognition
and to enjoy certain
fundamental rights and freedoms, broadcasters shall ensure
that their
programming contains no abusive or unduly discriminatory material or
comment
which is based on matters of race, national or ethnic origin, colour,
religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental
disability.

Clause 6 – Full, Fair and Proper Presentation

It
is recognized that the full, fair and proper presentation of news,
opinion,
comment and editorial is the prime and fundamental responsibility of
each
broadcaster. This principle shall apply to all radio and television
programming, whether it relates to news, public affairs, magazine, talk,
call-in, interview or other broadcasting formats in which news, opinion,
comment or editorial may be expressed by broadcaster employees [and
volunteers - FW], their invited guests or callers.

Clause 7 –
Controversial Public Issues

Recognizing in a democracy the necessity
of presenting all sides of a public issue, it shall be the responsibility of
broadcasters to treat fairly all subjects of a controversial nature. Time shall
be allotted with due regard to all the other elements of balanced
program
schedules, and the degree of public interest in the questions presented.

Recognizing that healthy controversy is essential to the maintenance of
democratic institutions, broadcasters will endeavour to encourage the
presentation of news and opinion on any controversy which contains an
element of
the public interest.

In applying these standards, it has been consistently stated that it is not the mere mention of an identifiable group that will constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics. The comments must be abusive or unduly discriminatory, or, in other terms, extremely negative or insulting towards a group, or constituting negative generalizations about the group as a whole.

If you are uncertain, I would recommend you pass the material on so we can vet it before airing it yourself.

It would be difficult for one person, representing one viewpoint to produce a fair and balanced discussion of a topic where offensive lyrics or speech are aired and then the hosts attempts to nullify the insult by contextualization. This is a line you need to tread carefully, because if you take this too far, you will be suspended. So we (programming, spoken word) are fully available to you to make sure you know where that line is. We want you to be able to produce the programming you want, but within broadcast standards please!

Charlotte BourneProgramming Coordinator, CJSF RadioOn Air Request Line: 778.782.CJSF Phone: 778.782.4423 www.cjsf.ca