OTTAWA – A French-language radio broadcast that included an expression with an expletive did not violate an offensive language code due to the context of its usage, the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) has determined.
The CBSC reviewed the episode of Dupont le matin, the morning show of top 40 radio station CHIK-FM (Énergie 98.9, Quebec City), that aired on April 12, 2017 at approximately 7:30 AM. Host Stéphane Dupont talked about a situation in which the authorities had cut the electricity to some homes in response to flooding. He suggested that damages were caused by cutting the electricity, adding that the authorities “on s’en calisse” (approximate English translation “they don’t give a f*ck”).
The CBSC received a complaint from a listener who objected to the use of coarse language at a time when children could be listening. The station responded that the host is known for having controversial views on public affairs, and that the expletive was used to emphasize his criticism of the authorities’ carelessness in this situation.
The CBSC’s French-Language Panel examined the complaint under Clause 9(c) of the CAB Code of Ethics which prohibits the broadcast of unduly coarse and offensive language. Although the CBSC has found such language in breach of that code in previous decisions, the Panel did not in this case due to the context of its usage.
The decision noted that the expression was used only once, in a non-insulting manner, and as an equivalent to the expression “don’t give a darn”. When considered in light of “broad social norms”, the expression has become part of popular language. The Panel did, however, emphasize that such language should not be used indiscriminately and hosts should acknowledge and apologize for such slips on air.
