Broadcasts of police distress call required viewer warnings, says CBSC

OTTAWA – City-TV and CTV Toronto (CFTO-TV) breached the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Violence Code by failing to warn viewers prior to airing disturbing police radio transmissions, the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) said Wednesday. An Ontario police officer conducted a traffic stop and ended up pinned underneath a van. He was able to radio for help and explain his situation, but later died in hospital from his injuries. The CBSC received a complaint from the York Regional Police Chief that the distress call was broadcast on a number of television stations and violated the privacy of the police officer whose voice was...