The use of the “n-word” during a Radio-Canada radio program in the summer of 2020 “goes against the objectives and values of Canadian broadcasting policy”, concluded the Commission on Wednesday. Canadian Broadcasting and Telecommunications (CRTC).
Posted at 4:28 p.m.
The “n-word” was used four times – three times in French and once in English – during a segment titled News with Simon Jodoin: Are certain ideas becoming taboo? presented on August 17, 2020 during the radio show Le 15-18 on ICI Radio-Canada Première. In this segment, columnist Simon Jodoin and host Annie Desrochers talked about a controversy surrounding Pierre Vallières’ book, white niggers of america.
“The columnist shared his opinion on the acceptability of naming the title of the book and, more specifically, the consequences that flow from the controversy surrounding its mention, affirming that it masks the content of the work and the thought of the author,” notes the CRTC.
In its decision, the Council “demands that the CBC provide a public written apology” to the person who filed a complaint about it. It also asks that the SRC report detailing “the internal measures and best practices in programming that it will put in place” in order to prevent other similar situations.