OTTAWA-GATINEAU – The CRTC is calling for public comments on the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ proposed voluntary Equitable Portrayal Code to guide how identifiable groups are portrayed on radio and television.
The CAB has drafted the code to replace its 1990 Sex-role Portrayal Code. The new code will cover not only women, but also how members of visible minority groups, Aboriginals, and people with disabilities are portrayed on the air. The CAB’s private broadcaster members are expected to adhere to the code.
The association contacted 36 community organizations dealing with those issues, but only 7 responded to requests for input. So the CRTC is casting the net wider, issuing a call for comments to make sure everyone who might be affected has had a chance to view and comment on the document.
The code says it “is intended to assist in overcoming unduly negative portrayal and stereotyping in broadcast programming, including commercial messages, based on matters of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental disability.” Everyone portrayed on radio and TV, whether in real-life or fictional situations, should be shown in various social and work roles that reflect their actual achievements, contributions, interests, and activities, the code states. Nothing should depict “gratuitous harm toward individuals in a sexual context, as well as the promotion of gender-related degradation.”
Broadcasters must respect human rights and avoid “unduly negative portrayals” of any group, stereotyping, stigmatization and victimization, degrading material, exploitation, derogatory language, and the derision of myths, traditions, or practices of certain groups.
Comments must be received by the commission by Oct. 29, and the CAB will have until Nov. 29 to respond if it chooses.
The call for comments and proposed code are here.
