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Foul Language on Q107
Read the article / show / issue that provoked me to write a letter and my response below that or go straight to my response
Date Posted on this Site
August 15, 2006
Publication
Q107
Publication Date
July 30, 2006
Published Content
This deals with a Sunday morning radio broadcast and a song containing foul language.
My Response Letter
To whom it may concern:
I would like to file a formal complaint about a song broadcast on Toronto radio station Q107.
The incident in question happened at approximately 10:10 a.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2006, during the Psychedelic Psunday show on CILQ FM in Toronto.
At issue is the broadcast of a live-recording of a song (title not known) in which the singer, during a break in the singing, blurts out something akin to "there are 300,000 of you *f--kers* out there". My wife and three young children were in the car when this was broadcast; everyone heard it. Although clearly unacceptable (because of the time of day and because children were present), what makes this even more upsetting is the expletive was broadcast on a Sunday morning, when many people would be driving to church (which we were) or enjoying the sacredness of the day. I understand that not everyone subscribes to the religiousness of Sunday, but due consideration should be given to those of us that do.
I would remind you that the CAB Code of Ethics and related jurisprudence clearly state that such language as reported above should not be broadcast at a time when children may be listening.
I would ask that the council further investigate this matter and make a determination, as appropriate.
Regards,
Jason Gennaro
Was my response published?
N/A
Did I get a response?
Yes
Dear Mr. Gennaro:
The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (“CBSC”) has asked us to respond to your email of August 3rd, 2006 where you raised concerns regarding a broadcast of Psychedelic Psunday that was aired on Q107 on July 30th, 2006.
Your email expresses your concerns with regards to foul language featured in the opening remarks of a song played during the Psychedelic Psunday broadcast. After reviewing the tapes in question, we agree with you that the song in question should not have been played at that hour of the day.
Unfortunately, on July 30th, an operator at the Station made an incorrect decision to air the unedited version of that song. We regret the oversight and since receipt of your letter, we have addressed the concern with our employee. Please be advised that we have since edited the foul language out of that particular song and we will no longer be playing the un-edited version.
We deeply regret that the Program offended you, for that was certainly not the intent. We have reviewed your concerns internally and, since receiving your email, we have had discussions with the Program hosts and operators about appropriate on-air content and will continue to exercise diligence on such matters. Please be assured that we take our responsibilities as a broadcaster seriously. We work to ensure all our programming on Q107 complies with the Broadcasting Act, the Radio Regulations and the Code and standards required of us as a member of the CBSC.
Q107 listeners are extremely loyal to both the station and to the musical format. We think we have the best listeners in the world and are very sorry that we have disappointed you with this broadcast.
We trust the foregoing responds to the concerns you raised in your email regarding Psychedelic Psunday. At Q107, we recognize the importance of listener feedback and appreciate all comments. We thank you for taking the time and initiative to share your concerns with us.
Yours Truly,
Blair Bartrem
Program Director
Q107