CAB Violence Code

Commentary Re Background

In CIII-TV (Global Television) re Before It’s Too Late (CBSC Decision 95/96-0172, October 21, 1996), the Panel commented on these background principles in response to a complainant’s contention that advisories would not have prevented her son from watching a program which she alleged contained “grotesque scenes” depicting “scenes of tortured animals, describing the details of torture”:

While the Council has determined that viewer advisories by the broadcaster were not required in this instance, it takes this opportunity to review the role of viewer advisories and to reiterate some fundamental principles which underlie the Canadian policy respecting violence on television.

As noted in the concluding point of the background principles of the Violence Code, the Code creates a pact between the broadcasters and their viewers:

Through their programming, production and scheduling practices, the development of a program classification system, and the use of viewer advisories, Canada’s private broadcasters undertake to play their part to protect our children and to use discretion in addressing the sensitivities of their viewers. In return, viewers, using the programming information provided to them, accept responsibility for their viewing behaviour and for that of their children.

These same background principles also examine the role reserved for parents in the case of their family's viewing practices. Point 14 of the principles provides that “It is the responsibility of parents to be actively involved in the viewing choices of their children.” The purposes of the Violence Code are varied. They include, first and foremost, the protection of children but the Code also recognizes that programming must also cater to adult viewers. Where required, viewer advisories play an informing role for parents, indeed for viewers in general; however, parents need to play an active role in determining what is appropriate programming for their families, even in those circumstances where viewer advisories may not be required.

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