I make a point of always referring to Canada’s state-run media giant, the CBC, as “state-run”. Similarly, the Web site, CBC.CA as a “state-run Web site”. And Newsworld as “state-run news media”, and so on (there’s approximately 382 BILLION state-run things in Canada.)
Then I get all the angry (embarrassed?) liberal-lefties who bemoan my calling these things “state-run”, because they’re not really—they’re all “independent”, and so on. Of course they’re patently wrong, particularly in the case of the CBC. I think they’re just embarrassed when somebody points it out in public like that—it makes Canada sound so…. “Soviet”, and “socialist”. Wow. Amazing how that happens.
CBC refuses to air ad
Last Updated Feb 4 2005 09:18 AM AST
CBC NewsCHARLOTTETOWN — The Maritime Christian College in Charlottetown is upset that CBC TV won’t play one of its commercials.
The public broadcaster turned away the business saying it violates the CBC’s ad policy.
College officials wanted to promote an upcoming lecture.
CBC officials said it does not run ads that advocate or proselytize any religious doctrine or teaching. It decided that was part of the message the college wanted to convey.
Fred Osborne, president of the college, said his commercial, and the lecture, is about the problems all families face, and not just Christian families.
“In my opinion, I don’t think it’s blatant in trying to proselytize individuals from other world views.”
CBC spokesperson Ruth-Ellen Soles said while the ad itself doesn’t mention religion, it does direct viewers to the Christian College’s website.
“It’s very clear that what he was going to be doing is talking about family values and family issues from a Christian perspective.”
Soles said the CBC policy against running ads with a religious bent has been around since the 1930s.
She said the CBC is concerned viewers might think the public broadcaster is endorsing a certain religion.
Fred Osborne argues private broadcasters often run his ads, and don’t share the CBC’s concern.
By the way, would somebody please point to the section of our Constitution that forbids this? Thanks in advance. I looked both before and after the sentence reading: “Whereas Canada is founded upon the principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law” but couldn’t find it. Thanks again. Surely CBC’s rules should “flow from” the Constitution, no? COTLER!
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