Principal

The CBC recognizes that men and women are equal.

Purpose

The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure that all persons, children included, are represented and portrayed equitably in programs and commercials broadcast on the CBC’s stations and networks.

Application

The guidelines apply to all programs produced or co-produced by the CBC, as well as to all programs acquired by the Corporation and advertisements to be broadcast on its stations and networks.

Administration

The guidelines must be interpreted in a manner consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Broadcasting Act. Furthermore, interpretation of the guidelines must not conflict with the CBC’s journalistic, creative and programming independence or with its Journalism Policy and Practices.

Guidelines

In all programming and advertisements, the CBC must:

Presence
1. Reflect in a realistic manner the place women and men have in contemporary Canadian society and recognize their intellectual and emotional equality.

Diversity
2. Present women and men of different ages, of different appearances, of different opinions and interests, in variety of tasks and roles, including non-traditional ones.

Stereotypes
3. Ban unjustifiable and uncalled-for stereotypes.

Roles
4. Portray women, as well as men, as persons who have professions, expertise, authority and skills in a range of circumstances, activities and settings.

5. Portray women and men as equal partners in sharing tasks and responsibilities and as equal beneficiaries of products and services.

Balance
6. In journalistic programs, seek women’s opinions, as well as men’s, on a full range of public issues.

7. Strive to reach a balance in the use of women’s and men’s voice-overs.

Sexuality
8. Avoid gratuitous exploitation of individuals as sexual lures through dress, overt or suggestive body language, camera movements, innuendo or double entendre.

Gratuitous exploitation means unjustifiable or uncalled-for exploitation of the human body, or parts of the body, to sell a product or attract an audience.

Where integral to program presentation the on-air representation of tasteful, positive, relevant sexuality, which portrays persons in control and celebrating their own sexuality is appropriate.

Language
9. Ensure that language respects the principle of equality between women and men.

To this effect, the Corporation shall enforce the attached guidelines.