OTTAWA – The CBSC has ruled that Canal D was in violation of the CAB’s violence code for airing an episode of the crime reality program C’est incroyable! well ahead of its required 9 pm or later timeslot.
The CBSC concluded that the program broadcast at 2 pm contained violence intended for adult audiences, requiring a broadcast after 9:00 pm, a 16+ rating and specific mention of violence in its viewer advisories. In failing to do so, Canal D violated the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ (CAB) Violence Code.
C’est incroyable! (Most Shocking) is an American reality program that airs clips of real crimes in progress, captured by security cameras or witnesses with portable devices. Specialty service Canal D broadcast an episode on January 12, 2012 at 2:00 pm entitled “Malfaiteurs détraqués” (“Criminals Out of Control”). The episode contained many scenes of violence, including: a man holding a young girl hostage with a large knife, gunfire during an attempted robbery, a bloody fistfight between neighbours, a street fight between two groups of young men, and a man shoving his girlfriend against a brick wall.
A viewer complained that the program was too violent for an afternoon broadcast when children could be watching. Canal D responded that the program does not endorse the violence as the narrator emphasizes the absurdity of the actions. The station also noted that it provided viewer advisories and a 13+ rating.
The CBSC’s Quebec Regional Panel examined the complaint under the CAB Violence Code. It concluded that the program did not sanction, promote or glamorize the violence, but that it should only have been shown between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am since it contained violence intended exclusively for adult audiences. The panel also found that Canal D should have rated the episode 16+ and should have specifically mentioned violence in its viewer advisories rather than just saying that the program contained material unsuitable for children. Canal D therefore violated Articles 3, 4 and 5 of the Code.
