My name is Sydney, and I know firsthand the profound impact that media can have on our lives. As a survivor of abuse, I have seen how some forms of "comedy" and media content continue to perpetuate and normalize aggressive behaviors, not only towards women but towards many marginalized communities (Black People, Indigenous People, and members of the LGBTQIA2+ community). It's a trend that doesn't just desensitize us to violence - it dismisses the real-life struggles that countless individuals face every day.

Research has shown that repeated exposure to violent media content can lead to increased aggression, desensitization to violence, and a distorted understanding of social norms. A study by the American Psychological Association highlights that violent media indeed contributes to violent behavior. Moreover, cultural narratives that dehumanize women and marginalized groups in media can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and justify oppressive behavior in reality.

“It’s comedy” is not an adequate response to those concerns. Comedic intent and context deserve consideration, but they should never provide automatic immunity from scrutiny or accountability.

Television networks, streaming platforms, and radio stations have platforms that reach millions, and with that reach comes responsibility. We need these companies to carefully consider the messages they broadcast, ensuring they do not glorify or trivialize violence in any form. By prioritizing content that uplifts and educates, these media giants could champion positive change and help create a more just and empathetic society.

Concrete steps can be taken to change this narrative. Content creators and distribution networks need to employ sensitivity readers or consultants particularly experienced with the issues of marginalized communities to vet potentially problematic material. Additionally, providing educational content and disclaimers about the impacts of violence can help to reframe how such content is consumed.

We believe it's time to challenge the status quo. Media outlets should be held accountable for the influence they have. By using their platforms responsibly, they can help foster a culture of understanding and respect.

Join us in urging major broadcasters and streaming services to stop promoting content that normalizes violence against vulnerable groups. Sign and share this petition to demand meaningful changes that protect our communities from harmful media narratives.

We ask Canadian and American broadcast networks to:

• Publish clear standards addressing degrading and discriminatory content that promotes, excuses, or normalizes violence against marginalized groups.

• Apply those standards consistently across programming, including comedy, talk shows, guest appearances, and promotional clips.

• Distinguish between content that challenges prejudice and content that endorses or encourages it, considering the full context.

• Establish accessible complaint processes, provide substantive responses, and explain the action taken when standards are breached.

• Consult organizations representing affected communities and survivors of violence when developing and reviewing these policies.

• Decline to air content that breaches these standards and take meaningful corrective action when such content has already been broadcast.

This petition supports freedom of expression while demanding accountability from networks for their editorial decisions. Broadcasters choose which voices and messages they amplify. That power comes with responsibility.

We deserve entertainment that does not depend on dehumanizing people or making violence against them seem acceptable.

Sign this petition to call for stronger standards, transparent decisions, and meaningful accountability from Canadian and American broadcast networks.

This is addressed to Canadian and American television and radio networks, their executives, and programming decision-makers.

Canada

CTV, including CTV Comedy Channel - Bell Media

Global Television - Corus Entertainment

Citytv - Rogers Sports & Media

CBC Television / ICI Radio-Canada Télé - CBC/Radio-Canada

America 

NBC - NBC Universal

ABC - The Walt Disney Company / ABC

CBS - Paramount / CBS

FOX - Fox Corporation / FOX Entertainment