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New: CRTC opposed to false and misleading news change, but taking heat for it (Feb. 15)
“[T]he serious harm that could result from the broadcast of false news is more foreseeable and potentially more serious than the harm that could result from the publication of false statements or tales not even held out as news and distributed by means other than broadcasting,” the letter, signed by John Keogh, the CRTC’s senior legal counsel, said.
“There is a reach and immediacy to the broadcasting industry that means that news bulletins heard by large audiences may not be subject to timely, independent verification. Moreover, at least in Canada, where prohibitions on false news have long been part of the tradition of regulation, there is a high level of public trust in what is broadcast as news by the licensees regulated by the Commission.”
Evidently, the CRTC has always opposed the changes, but continues to be pressed by a parliamentary committee.
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About this site
The CRTC’s proposed changes to ease the ban on false or misleading news would forever change the face of Canadian media.
On this website, you can find steps for making your voice heard, as well as articles for staying informed. Check back for updated information, and send me any suggestions you have.
My letter to Canadians:
The CRTC has proposed to ease the ban on broadcasting false or misleading news. While I am all for free speech, these changes, if passed, would effectively put an end to journalistic accountability and integrity.
Not only does this give broadcasters agency to further misinform the public, it permits them to lie outright. The day’s top story could legally be completely fictional. The only instance where they might be held accountable is if you can prove that the story directly endangered an individual’s life, health, or safety.
These regulations would set the stage for American-style news broadcasts in which the facts would be distorted to suit the corporation that presents them, and the news would place a distant second or third to the entertainment/shock value of the program.
In the United States, the standard for broadcast journalism used to be Walter Cronkite. Now, the most-watched news network is Fox News. Fox News gains viewers by affirming their existing beliefs, then feeding into their fears with misleading information presented as truth. The proposed changes from the CRTC would make Canada’s standards even lower than those of the US.
I don’t believe that it is a coincidence that this proposal comes just as the new right-wing Sun TV News, dubbed by many as “Fox News North”, is about to launch. Investigations are underway, but no one can uncover who actually pushed for the CRTC to make this change. However, the CRTC’s new, under-qualified, vice-chair of broadcasting was appointed allegedly because of his close ties to Harper.
If you look at the current media environment in the US, I think it’s easy to agree that this sort of hate-fuelled discourse results in a culture that is fearful and angry. Regardless of your politics, false news is bad for everyone.
This proposal was presented quickly and quietly. The deadline for public comments to the CRTC has just passed, but the proposal can still be stopped.
I’ve created this website to make it easy to get informed and take action. I urge you to contact your local MP, the CRTC, the federal party leaders, and major news organizations.
I urge you to contact your local MP, the CRTC, the federal party leaders, and major news organizations. I will be doing more in the coming days and would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have.
Yours,
Travis Wall
