CBC’s Radio-Canada was in the wrong when it aired an assassination joke in regards to U.S. President Barack Obama, an industry panel ruled on Monday.
The New Year’s Eve “Bye Bye” comedy French-language program generated over 200 complaints due to its racist remarks. “We’re not racists. It will be good to have a Negro in the White House. It will be practical. Black on white, it will be easier to shoot him,” one of the show’s hosts remarked.
Along with those tasteless comments, the show also featured an interview with a black actor portraying Obama. The host said, “The blacks, you all look alike,” and then warned viewers to hide their purses.
The CBSC (Canadian Broadcasting Standards Council) found that the sketches went too far and breached regulations, but said a reprimand would not be given, only an apology. What do you do when the federal broadcaster goofs? It’s not like they will fine themselves.
— With files from Reuters
