What is the Classification System for Canadian Programming?
A. The Program Classification System was originally envisaged in the CAB Violence Code and was finally adopted following the publication of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)’s policy concerning violence on television. While the system was created by the Action Group on Violence on Television (AGVOT), it was approved by the CRTC; it deals not only with violence, but also with other forms of adult content. The CBSC acts as an arbiter of complaints concerning ratings applied by broadcasters to their programming. All programming must be rated unless it is exempt under the system. Examples of exempt programming include news and sports. It should be noted that the requirement to rate programming is independent of an assessment of the appropriateness of the content. See Clause 4 of the Violence Code and the accompanying commentary for further information.
