CIJA Quebec satisfied with COGECO decision to suspend 98.5s Jacques Fabi for one month without pay

MONTREAL, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Quebec - (CIJA Quebec) is satisfied with the decision of COGECO Diffusion to suspend without pay radio host Jacques Fabi for a period of one month, immediately following the organization's  complaint to management concerning Fabi's behaviour on the early morning hours of Thursday, November 22nd.  CIJA Quebec also acknowledges Fabi's apology to the Jewish Community. 

Jacques Fabi, the host of "Fabi la nuit", failed to act appropriately when a caller uttered completely unacceptable comments regarding Jews and the Holocaust. Mr. Fabi found no reason to end the call or to admonish the caller for her hateful statements, and shockingly added that he wished he could have the same liberties as an "anonymous" caller, but that he was forced to wear "white gloves" when dealing with the "annoying" Jewish community. 

CIJA Quebec Spokesperson Rabbi Reuben Poupko said that "Mr. Fabi's comments and failure to act violate the code of ethics of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, and frankly go against the values of all Quebecers. We are pleased that the Station Manager Mr. Réal Germain reacted immediately to our concerns with a call last week, assuring our community and all Quebecers that this type of behavior would not go unsanctioned. True to its word, COGECO Diffusion has already taken steps to begin the healing process and ensure that the code of ethics is respected." 

Poupko added that "we would hope that this would give radio show hosts pause should they be faced with a similar situation. We would have expected more from an industry veteran, and it will take him a long time to earn his employer's trust and that of his listeners." 

CIJA Quebec hopes that an on-air apology be broadcast, both immediately by the station, and upon Mr. Fabi's return to the airwaves.  CIJA Quebec has also filed a complaint with the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, noting that it is important to have such behaviour officially recorded and reprimanded by the appropriate body. 

SOURCE: Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Eta Yudin
Associate Director, Quebec Public Affairs and Jewish Community Relations
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Tel:[phone] x 3169
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