CBC/Radio-Canada has apologized for repeatedly using the N-word in a Radio-Canada program in 2020, but will appeal a CRTC ruling related to the segment, saying the regulator overstepped its authority.
“We believe that the CRTC has overstepped its authority with regard to the independence of the public broadcaster,” it said in a statement.
“Her decision of 29 June is a threat because the Commission tried to give itself the power to interfere with journalistic independence.
“It was a serious mistake. We simply do not accept CRTC interference in journalism in Canada.”
The statement comes after the CRTC ordered the public broadcaster last month to issue a written apology for its use of the N-word on air.
The use of the word occurred during an on-air discussion on August 17, 2020, about a petition calling for the dismissal of a Concordia University professor who quoted the title of a famous book by Pierre Vallier that contained the N-word. A journalist and commentator repeated the offensive word several times during this 2020 discussion.
This prompted a complaint to the CRTC by a black resident of Montreal.
The CRTC then ruled that Radio-Canada had not implemented all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the N-word on its audience. It also said that the broadcast of the program segment “did not provide programming of a high standard and did not contribute to strengthening the cultural and social fabric and reflecting the multicultural and multiracial character of Canada.”
In its statement Wednesday, CBC/Radio-Canada said the regulator’s own dissenting opinions noted that it did not have the authority or jurisdiction to make such a decision.
“We must challenge the CRTC’s jurisdiction over matters that should belong to our news leaders. Journalistic independence is vital to all of us,” the statement said.
CBC/Radio-Canada acknowledged that while the N-word was used in a journalistic context, it was offensive to some audience members and staff.
“Some of our journalists have expressed the view that this is purely a matter of freedom of speech, but we all know that words can hurt and must be used carefully. We will therefore apologize to the listener who filed a complaint,” the statement said.
“Using that word is hurtful to many in our audience and to our own staff, and for that we deeply regret it.”
He said he also adds a warning to the program where it appears online to prepare listeners. In addition, Radio-Canada will launch an internal review to examine its policies and standards regarding potentially offensive language.
“We do these things because we believe it’s the right thing to do, not because the CRTC tells us to do it,” the statement said.
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