Does the CRTC have the authority to sensor TV broadcasts? Shouldn't this be decided by a court of law?
ABC’s 20/20 broadcast a segment including courtroom details about the ongoing murder trial of Mark Twitchell, the amateur filmmaker who allegedly killed his victim the same way outlined in his movie plot. Yet, it didn't air in Canada.
Canadian viewers were unable to view the regularly scheduled show on Friday.
A simple graphic appeared on the screen during the 20/20 time-slot apologizing for the interruption in service.
In an effort to protect the integrity of the six-week-long trial and prevent jurors from accessing any information that could sway their view of evidence presented, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) barred access to the show, Even online, the 20/20 website restricts access, showing the message: “This video is not available in certain territories outside of the United States due to rights or contractual limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
During the first week of the trial, court heard Twitchell was seemingly obsessed with fictional serial killer “Dexter Morgan,” and other violent media.
Twitchell is charged with killing Johnny Altinger, 38, after using an online dating website to lure him to a rented garage in Mill Woods.
tanara.mclean@sunmedia.ca
