Covering Protests

Covering Protests
In this short course we look at how stations have covered protests, and what the rules are.

Course Outline

Your Obligations As Broadcaster

  1. Your Obligations Overview
  2. Balance Policy Overview
  3. CRTC Balance Police Notice
  4. Broadcasting Act Overview
  5. Broadcasting Act
  6. Criminal Code (Federal) Overview
  7. Criminal Code s.22
  8. Criminal Code s. 464
  9. Discuss with Programmers
  10. Alberta Law
  11. Albert Critical Infrastructure Bill
  12. Street Protests with Permits
  13. Landmark Newfoundland and Labrador Case
  14. NL Appeal Court Decision
  15. Being compelled to hand over material to police
  16. Legal Note

Examples of Coverage

  1. Introduction: Examples
  2. CIVL: The Post-American Election 2017
  3. CKUW: Michael Welch: 2016 Democratic National Convention
  4. CJRU: Mick Sweetman: Solidarity with Standing Rock protest in Toronto

Additional Resources / Reading

  1. Introduction for Additional Resources
  2. Riot or resistance? The way the media frames the unrest in Minneapolis will shape the public’s view of protest
  3. Covering Demonstrations Checklist: International News Safety Institute
  4. International News Safety Institute: Covering Demonstrations
  5. Poynter: Covering Conflict Safety Handout
  6. J Source: With protests erupting almost daily, journalists need to understand the consequences of joining one.
  7. The Journalists Legal Guide, 6th Edition
  8. PEN: Know Your Rights
  9. It's Time Media Change How It Reports on Protests

About the Course

In this quick course we look at what regulations apply to covering protests. 

We will also include some examples. 

About the Instructors

Luke Smith

Luke Smith, Director of Learning and Development (NCRA/ANREC)