Updated: an apology to our viewers

Now to a story that has CHCH making news elsewhere, because of a problem some of our viewers saw this morning.

At about 9:30 our broadcast signal was overrun briefly by inappropriate video – pornography to be specific. We’ve spent the day explaining to viewers and other news organizations who’ve been calling us, that CHCH had no role in airing that video; that it originated with one of the cable companies that distributes our signal.

In fact the CRTC, which regulates broadcasting in this country, is investigating the matter as a cable transmission issue. Here’s what Mike Katrycz — the head of CHCH news, had to say about the incident.

“First of all, we would like to apologize to our viewers. This was a problem that originated, not at CHCH, but at a cable company. Apparently some cable lines had been cut, and in the splicing back together some inappropriate content went to air. Again it was beyond the control of CHCH, but we do apologize to our viewers.”

So the question many viewers are asking is: “how does a cable company override a broadcaster’s channel?” We’re still waiting for a formal answer.

Shaw Cable has told us it is investigating, and will provide us with a written reply in a couple of days. We’ll share it with you then.

In the meantime – we should tell you that “over the air” broadcasters like CHCH make their signals available to cable companies at no charge. And often one cable company feeds it to another. Even our own transmitter in Ottawa is fed by a cable company.

It’s complicated – but the bottom line is CHCH did not put to air the material seen this morning. We hope our viewers will understand, and accept our apology.

Video: News director Mike Katrycz’s on-air apology: