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Dear Mr. Gold: Thank you for your message. The Commission's role under the Broadcasting Act, is to regulate and supervise the Canadian broadcasting system in a manner that respects freedom of expression and the journalistic, creative and programming independence enjoyed by the broadcasters. The Commission is not a censor board, nor does it generally intervene in the day-to-day editorial practices of the broadcasters. The broadcasters themselves are directly responsible for the selection, content and scheduling of their programs and advertising. During an electoral campaign, the broadcaster has an obligation to provide equitable treatment of issues, candidates and parties. It is important to note that "equitable" does not necessarily mean "equal". For example, debate-type programs need not feature all rival parties or candidates in one or more programs. Note that news coverage is generally left to the editorial judgment of the individual broadcaster. Nonetheless, all candidates and parties are entitled to some coverage, that will give them the opportunity to expose their ideas to the public. In addition, if paid advertising time is sold or free time offered to any party or candidate during the election period, it must be made available on an equitable basis to rival parties or candidates. The CRTC also sends a circular letter to all regulated broadcasters whenever a writ is issued for a provincial or federal election. For example, a circular was issued on September 5, 2003 (linked below) with respect to the recent Ontario Provincial election. The circular serves to remind broadcasters of their obligations during an election campaign and includes references to all relevant legislation, policies and regulations. It also summarizes the principles that the Commission would take into account when dealing with complaints about balanced coverage and related issues. These same principles would apply to municipal elections as well. I have also provided links to a fact sheet devoted to Election Campaigns and Political Advertising and a public notice about debates. <<http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Circulars/2003/c2003-456.htm>> Note that we are unable to pursue complaints of a non-specific nature. The process works best if you can identify a broadcaster and provide specific examples of how it may not have complied with the electoral guidelines. For example, did a station provide free political advertising to rival candidates without offering you an equivalent privilege? It is also helpful to identify the name of the program, the exact date and time it aired, what was said, by whom, in what context, etc. <http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G8.htm> Sincerely, K. Remy ______________________________________________ Original message 10/27/2003 10:59:29 PM Global TV Myself, I am a candidate, and have received little or no coverage - even when the opportunity was there, and I had a message to carry forward to the people. IN the most recent incident, a very important point was made with the Candidates present - the idea that the next Mayor committed to educating City Council, the police, and all City Staff in the Protocols of the First Nations Peoples - including, but not limited to the idea of the Great Mind, the message of the Peacemaker. Two of the Five Candidates agreed to do this. (Barbara Hall and David Miller) John Tory and John Nunziata had left the meeting and they too may have agreed to this - certainly John Tory would have, but who knows what Mr. Nunziata may be thinking?) Mitch Gold |