HomeGeneral + Regulatory + Telecom + Media NewsCBSC finds CTV National News in...

CBSC finds CTV National News in breach over budget story

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) has found CTV National News in breach surrounding the inaccuracy of a report in April on capital gains tax.

The report, from CTV National correspondent Heather Wright, which aired on the late night edition of the newscast on April 25, focused on changes announced in the federal budget that, for any capital gains over $250,000, two-thirds would be taxable. The first graphic used an example of a cottage sale, providing numbers erroneously labelled “taxes owed,” which it confused with “capital gains inclusion rate.”

Viewers complained to the CBSC about the graphic’s inaccuracy, in addition to other aspects of the report, including comment that average cottage owners would have to pay more to keep or maintain their properties. One complainant pointed out that there were no additional costs to maintaining a cottage as capital gains tax is only incurred when the property is sold.

While agreeing the graphic was erroneous, CTV did not consider other aspects of the report to be problematic.

The CBSC’s English-Language Panel examined the complaint under the CAB Code of Ethics and RTDNA Code of Journalistic Ethics, regarding accuracy and the full, fair and proper presentation of news, concluding that the clear error in the graphic, as well as other elements that misrepresented the tax changes constituted breaches of those codes. It also concluded that CTV should have corrected the error on-air promptly.

While some complainants had argued the report was biased in that it presented a negative slant against the federal Liberals’ budget, the panel concluded that, “although the report contained inaccurate information, it was not biased against any political party and it did contain a statement from one person who supported the capital gains tax change.”


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 30 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - corrections@broadcastdialogue.com

Latest News

RTDNA Canada unveils national Lifetime Achievement Award recipients

RTDNA Canada has announced its national Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, set to be honoured at its National Awards Gala on Nov. 2 in Toronto. This...

Veteran broadcaster Doc Harris signs off

Longtime broadcaster Doc Harris, who had a radio career spanning five decades, has passed away at age 76. Harris passed away in Vancouver General Hospital...

Events / Conferences