CBC/Radio-Canada | Policies & Guidelines | Journalistic Standards & Practices

1.2 Journalistic Standards and Practices

IV. PRODUCTION STANDARDS

A: INFORMATION GATHERING

9. COVERAGE OF VIOLENT ACTS

Reporting on hostage taking, acts of terrorism, riots and civil disorder raises complex problems and places heavy responsibility on the broadcaster

9.1 CIVIL DISORDER

In some cases of riots or civil disorder, it is clear that the presence of cameras and microphones has provoked violence. There is also evidence that in other situations the presence of the media has had a moderating effect on violent incidents.

When plans are being made for coverage of events where civil violence may be expected, every precaution should be taken to ensure that the presence of CBC/Radio-Canada journalists, cameras or microphones is not a provocation. CBC/Radio-Canada personnel should abide by the guidelines developed for the coverage of demonstrations.

Furthermore, if their presence is evidently inspiring a potentially dangerous situation, they should cease using recording equipment and, in some circumstances, even conceal it.

9.2 TERRORISM AND HOSTAGE TAKING

CBC/Radio-Canada journalists must ensure that any action they take will not further endanger the lives of the hostages or interfere with efforts of authorities to secure the hostages' release. They must guard against being used or manipulated by the terrorists/hostage takers.

The following guidelines also apply:

(a)	Any direct communication from terrorists/hostage takers which contains information about current or contemplated acts of terrorism should be reported immediately to the senior officer in information programming. In the absence of the senior officer, the report is to be made to the media vice-president.
(b)	No live or recorded broadcast of a statement by or interview with a terrorist/hostage taker or hostage may occur without authorization from the senior officer in information programming. Such authorization will only be provided in exceptional circumstances. In the absence of the senior officer, the authorization must come from the media vice-president.
(c)	Statements or demands by terrorists/hostage takers form an integral part of the incident. In most cases, however, these should be broadcast in summary or edited form to avoid the danger of manipulation.
(d)	Telephone or other direct contact with hostages or terrorist/hostage takers or both should only be undertaken if, in the judgment of the senior officer in information programming, such activity does not interfere with the authorities' communications or further jeopardize the safety of hostages. In the absence of the senior officer, the judgment is to be made by the media vice-president.
(e)	Reporters and producers should promptly convey to the senior officer in information programming any request made by the authorities to delay the broadcasting of certain information regarding the incident in progress. The final decision on this request rests with the senior officer in information programming, who will ensure adequate consultation with his or her peers. In the absence of the senior officer, the request must be conveyed to the media vice-president.