More CDs, less radio

Yesterday was the first day of the Pickton murder trial in British Columbia, and if you don't get Canadian radio, including CBC, and you're really interested in the gory details (and I do mean gory) you'll just have to Google it. But if you do and you click on any links, make sure your kids aren't in the room.

Those of us with a radio tuned to CBC plunked on the kitchen counter got quite the unexpected, graphic, earful at the close of the first day's testimony; fortunately, the kids were in a bedroom playing while I was near enough to hit the off-switch, though not until I had heard something I didn't need or want to hear. Interestingly, much discussion on CBC radio in the days leading up to the planned year-long trial on the traumatic effects of the testimony on jurors. But no thought at all given to listeners, and their children, who don't want the latest details on the depths of human depravity and evil broadcast every hour on the hour.

I know I'm not the only disappointed, displeased listener, and yes, I did share my thoughts with the Powers That Be, along with the suggestion of establishing a dedicated page on the website with the gruesome nitty gritty for those who want it. Since we have only two TV channels, watching the national news only after 10 pm, and don't get a daily newspaper, radio is our main concern. But if we did read a paper every day, I'd want it to be The Vancouver Sun, which has made thoughtful plans for its reporting:

To assist you, our readers, in assessing the day's Pickton trial stories, we will publish every day on page A2 a short and sanitized version of the previous day's testimony.

When the more complete story inside the paper contains disturbing information, a warning to that effect will appear on page A2. A warning will also appear on the top of any story that might require reader discretion.

You, our readers, will be able to choose to avoid stories that you think might offend you. You will be able to keep the stories out of the hands of your children should you choose to do so.

Admirable.

I also shared with CBC our family's Plan B, developed during the Bernardo/Homolka trial, which was considerably shorter and took place, for us at least, Before Children: unless the editors and producers iron out their coverage and learn to exercise discretion by the end of the week, it's CD-city for us for the next 12 months. Music, recorded books, you name it. But no radio broadcasts with news coverage.