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CBC ad policy criticized
Year Published: 1990Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX4081 Abstract: The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is refusing to allow anti-nuclear activists to buy advertising time for ads opposing nuclear energy, claiming the subject matter is controversial and opinionated, and thus not suitable for advertising. The CBC will continue to run ads promoting the nuclear industry, however. The decision is being criticized by Students Opposing the Slowpoke (STOP) in Saskatoon, who say that they consider the pro-nuclear ads opinionated and biased since they convey the impression that nuclear energy is "somehow benign and safe." STOP's ads were intended to respond to commercials from the Canadian Nuclear Association, which spends $2.5 million per year on television and magazine advertising. According to STOP member Hermann Krebs, "If they allow one side, I can't understand why they don't allow the other side. We're being shut out of reaching a large audience. We're not getting a chance to get our message across." STOP has received a letter from John Davis, the CBC manager of advertising standards, stating that the ads were refused because of the CBC's policy "that the airwaves must not come under the control of individuals or groups who because of wealth, special position, etc. might be better able to influence listener or viewer attitudes." |