ARCHIVED - Broadcast - Commission Letter - Subject: Review of complaints about"WWF Raw" on TSN
This page has been archived on the Web
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. Archived Decisions, Notices and Orders (DNOs) remain in effect except to the extent they are amended or reversed by the Commission, a court, or the government. The text of archived information has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Changes to DNOs are published as “dashes” to the original DNO number. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats by contacting us.
Letter
File: 00SP10-3 Ottawa, 14 December 1999
Mr Rick Brace Subject: Review of complaints about "WWF Raw" on TSN Dear Mr. Brace: The Commission has completed its review of the complaints against WWF Raw wrestling, and the response from TSN, its licensee, in light of the Broadcasting Act, CRTC regulations and relevant industry codes. The following is the Commission's determination on this issue. The Commission notes the measures TSN has taken in response to concerns about the content of WWF Raw and its possible impact on young viewers. These measures include TSN's editing practices and guidelines, its regular discussions with WWF, and its viewer advisories. The Commission expects TSN to continue these measures and strongly encourages it to reconsider its scheduling practices. Specifically, the Commission is very concerned about the availability of WWF Raw at times when young viewers are likely to be watching, particularly during the late afternoon. The scheduling of WWF Raw in late afternoon time slots is inconsistent with TSN's position that the program is intended for adult audiences. In reaching its determination, the Commission has the following comments. Since September 1998, the Commission has received 31 complaints about WWF wrestling on TSN. One complaint also mentioned airings on CTV, CTV SportsNet, and the A Channel, Manitoba - CHMI-TV (formerly known as MTN). The complaints generally related to program content; specifically issues of violence, adult content, simulated sexual activities, vulgar gestures and profane language. Other complaints dealt with offensive portrayal of blacks and women, the use of "Jesus Christ" in a derogatory matter, and the depiction of Satanism. The majority of complainants expressed concern about the fact that the program is available at a time when children and young teenagers may be watching. The Commission notes TSN's argument that WWF Raw is intended for adults (18+) and that this group comprises the largest audience for WWF programming. However, the number of young viewers at 4 p.m. is nevertheless significant. For example, according to Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) data from fall 1998, the audience breakdown at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays is 25% teens (age 12-17) and 11% children (age 2-11). The Commission acknowledges that TSN has been somewhat responsive to viewer concerns and supports the specific measures it has implemented to ensure compliance with the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) codes. These measures include TSN's undertaking to:
The Commission also notes that TSN has adopted formal Guidelines for Editing Professional Wrestling, which in addition to requiring all programs to meet CAB Violence and Sex-role Portrayal Codes, impose extra diligence for the late afternoon broadcast. These measures include:
The Commission recognizes the measures TSN has taken and expects TSN to continue these measures. Nevertheless, as indicated above, the Commission strongly encourages TSN to reconsider its scheduling practices, particularly with respect to afternoon time slots when young viewers are likely to be watching. Further, the Commission is also concerned about the portrayal of women on WWF Raw, particularly in light of existing regulations prohibiting abusive comments and displays of women. These are included in industry codes administered by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC). For this reason, the Commission strongly encourages TSN to become a member of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council. The Commission notes that other broadcasters air WWF programming. With today’s determination, the Commission wishes to signal to all broadcasters that it expects them to seriously consider their scheduling practices, to ensure that children are not exposed to programming which is inappropriate to them. It is for this reason that the present determination is being placed on the Commission's web site. We look forward to your continuing co-operation on these matters. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Commission. Yours sincerely,
Ursula Menke
c.c. CTV |
- Date modified: