Since Choose News was launched a few weeks ago, there have been inferences and accusations that Choose News is out to 'censor the news'.
Choose News believes that is a very inaccurate and also short-sighted interpretation of this advocacy project.
Choose News seeks that the Canadian Radio-television and Communications Commission (the CRTC) - that is, the federal agency overseeing broadcasting in Canada - and Canadian broadcasters live up to the intent of their own 'Violence Code', created in 1993, and also update it, as they are required to do (it has never been updated in 23 years).
To the perception of Choose News the Canadian broadcasters' 'Violence Code' (found here) is being ignored by some, but not all, broadcasters, and it is sorely in need of updating.
The $64K question then is, What's the point of having a 'Violence Code' - which is designed to guide broadcasters - if it is ignored?
A flaw in this code is that it is voluntary. That means it can be ignored, though all mainstream Canadian broadcasters all claim to be following this code and other ethical guidelines.
At some point there needs to be investigation, acknowledgement and follow-up to broadcast activities that breech the Violence Code and put the mental and emotional health of Canadian children at risk.
If such actions lead to sanctions or penalties against broadcasters that breech the Violence Code, then the Violence Code is serving its purpose, as it was intentionally designed to protect Canadian children.
That's not censorship but moral suasion.
Choose News believes that is a very inaccurate and also short-sighted interpretation of this advocacy project.
Choose News seeks that the Canadian Radio-television and Communications Commission (the CRTC) - that is, the federal agency overseeing broadcasting in Canada - and Canadian broadcasters live up to the intent of their own 'Violence Code', created in 1993, and also update it, as they are required to do (it has never been updated in 23 years).
To the perception of Choose News the Canadian broadcasters' 'Violence Code' (found here) is being ignored by some, but not all, broadcasters, and it is sorely in need of updating.
The $64K question then is, What's the point of having a 'Violence Code' - which is designed to guide broadcasters - if it is ignored?
A flaw in this code is that it is voluntary. That means it can be ignored, though all mainstream Canadian broadcasters all claim to be following this code and other ethical guidelines.
At some point there needs to be investigation, acknowledgement and follow-up to broadcast activities that breech the Violence Code and put the mental and emotional health of Canadian children at risk.
If such actions lead to sanctions or penalties against broadcasters that breech the Violence Code, then the Violence Code is serving its purpose, as it was intentionally designed to protect Canadian children.
That's not censorship but moral suasion.
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