FRIENDS releases Advertising, Fair Play and the Media Candidate Guide

Dear Candidate:

Congratulations on your nomination.

More than most Canadians, you will understand the crucial role that the media play during an election campaign. FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting is a nonpartisan watchdog organization that promotes and defends the quality and quantity of Canadian broadcasting on radio and television. Advertising, Fair Play and the Media (PDF 286 KB) has been developed by FRIENDS as a contribution to your efforts and those of all candidates in the 2004 general election.

In the coming weeks there will certainly be lively debate on a range of issues of concern to Canadians. However, there will also be some debate on the coverage of those debates, on the advertising undertaken by political parties, as well as the advertising undertaken by so-called "third parties".

Advertising, Fair Play and the Media provides you with the actual regulations and guidelines from the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, (CRTC) and Elections Canada. You will also find information on the role of the CBC's Office of the Ombudsman, provincial press councils and similar private sector broadcaster policy statements. There is a special section on libel in an electoral context. Given the short duration of a federal election campaign, it is vital that any media-related issues raised during the campaign be given prompt attention. We have included contact information for all of the key regulatory agencies involved.

Please feel free to contact our Research Desk if you have questions about FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting, our policy recommendations or the issues raised in the enclosed guide, Advertising, Fair Play and the Media. You can contact FRIENDS at 1 866 585 0553, or by e-mail at tim@friends.ca.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Morrison
Spokesperson