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Effective: July 6, 1994

Preamble

In many of its program activities the Corporation presents elements of the real world in ways that it hopes will inform, enlighten and entertain Canadian audiences. The real world is often turbulent, and changes occur in its societies' cultural standards and moral attitudes sometimes seemingly as quickly as they can be described.

Some people actively seek to bring about change. Some, faced with change adapt quickly and incorporate it readily into their lifestyles. Others are slower, needing time to analyze and select what is eventually comfortable to them. Still others do not wish to consider change, holding firmly to standards and beliefs they have always embraced.

Policy¹

lt is not CBC/Radio-Canada's function to judge the relative merits of the emotional reactions or sensitivities of its audience. But in providing programming for one segment of society, CBC/Radio-Canada cannot disregard the feelings of others. Programming which is completely acceptable to its intended audience might be disturbing to other listeners and viewers.

CBC Program Policies address areas of potential audience distress, setting out standards and operating objectives.

These Program Policies are:

• 1.1.2 - Stereotyping in CBC/Radio-Canada Programming
• 1.1.3 - Guidelines on Sex-role portrayal
• 1.1.4 - Multicultural Programming
• 1.1.5 - Good Taste
• 1.1.6 - Violence in General Programming
• 1.1.7 - Violence in Children's Programming

CBC/Radio-Canada's Journalistic Standards and Practices includes sections which address the Coverage of Violent Acts and Good Taste.

In any situation where a significant segment of the audience might reasonably be expected to be disturbed or offended for any reason by an element of program content, program personnel responsible must take appropriate pre-broadcast steps to remove or reduce such risk. This can be achieved by controlled time-scheduling of the program, appropriately worded cautionary announcements, or by any other action or actions suitable to the particular situation.

Responsibility

Producers are responsible, in consultation with their superiors, for implementing this policy in conformity with the appropriate provisions of Program Policy.