HomeGeneral + Regulatory + Telecom + Media NewsStabbing footage aired without warning violated...

Stabbing footage aired without warning violated code: CBSC

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) says CTV Toronto violated several codes when it aired cell phone footage of a stabbing without warning to viewers.

The CBSC decision comes following viewer complaints about a report broadcast Sept. 12, 2019 on CTV News at 6.  The story in question involved a Kingston, ON man, who had stabbed several victims earlier in the day, one fatally. The perpetrator also died after stabbing himself in the neck.

Filmed from a distance across the street, the footage aired did not clearly show the faces of two individuals involved in a struggle. Two people were seen falling to the ground and then one clearly making two stabbing motions into the side of the other.

The CBSC received five complaints about the broadcast, with a single viewer upset that the footage was aired without a warning.

The CBSC’s English-Language Panel concluded that the footage, as presented, of a real stabbing taking place was disturbing and jarring, and that CTV failed to provide proper context and set-up to the video, including a warning to viewers prior to airing the clip.  

CTV was found in breach of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ (CAB) Violence Code and the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada’s (RTDNA) Code of Journalistic Ethics.

“The Panel considers that with the proper editing and context as well as the inclusion of a viewer advisory it would have been possible to include video footage of the incident. After all, this was a stabbing that occurred in broad daylight in Kingston, Ontario. Prior to airing the video, the broadcaster should have considered the graphicness of the segment and whether this was necessary or relevant to the story; in other words, the broadcaster needed to exercise the restraint and sensitivity required under the RTDNA Code of Journalistic Ethics,” reads the CBSC decision.

The Panel also noted that CTV recognized that “Both the airing of the video and the omission of a warning were human errors which we take extremely seriously” and that the broadcast constituted a “serious error in judgment.”


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 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

Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast: Alberta’s Country Legend, CFCW, celebrates 70 years

On Nov. 2, 1954, a 250-watt radio station signed on in Alberta, destined to become Canada's first full-time country music station. The C and...

SiriusXM Canada expands advertising division

SiriusXM Canada is expanding its advertising division, launching SiriusXM Media Canada, which will serve as the company's exclusive cross-platform ad sales representative, including the...

Events / Conferences