However, that distinction does not provide commentators a white card to manufacture facts or present uncorroborated claims as fact. Referring to Palestinian journalists as “so-called” journalists and alleging they are Hamas terrorists are serious claims that require substantiation.
To the CFIQ (640 Toronto),
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (www.cjpme.org) regarding your radio segment that aired on Tuesday July 7, 2026, at 9:20:22 a.m.
During the segment, Palestinian journalists were referred to as “so-called journalists working for the UN” and as “Hamas terrorists”.
We understand that, unlike a traditional newscast, a talk radio program offering social commentary is entitled to express opinions, criticism, and analysis on a specific topic. However, broadcasters are prohibited from presenting serious unsubstantiated allegations or sweeping generalizations about journalists as fact without evidence or verification.
As you already know, commercial talk radio stations are regulated by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and are expected to adhere to the broadcasting standards including those administered by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC).
The CBSC Code of Ethics recognizes the distinction between newscasts and social commentary and gives commentators considerable latitude to express their opinions.
However, that distinction does not provide commentators a white card to manufacture facts or present uncorroborated claims as fact. Referring to Palestinian journalists as “so-called” journalists and alleging they are Hamas terrorists are serious claims that require substantiation.
If the commentator intends to allege that specific Palestinian journalists are members of Hamas, such claims must be corroborated especially given that misinformation is a key part of Israel’s playbook, repeatedly used as part of its public relations strategy to justify its massacres, the illegal detention of Palestinians, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing. In fact, in 2025, Israeli officials falsely alleged that martyred journalist Anas al-Sharif was affiliated with Hamas, a claim rejected by Al Jazeera, which affirmed that he had no such affiliation.
I therefore ask that this feedback be taken into consideration for future reporting. Otherwise, if such claims continue to be aired without evidence or substantiation, I have no choice but to file a complaint with the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC).
Regards,
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East