The Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) says a ruling on the broadcasting of MTV’S Bully Beatdown should be expected in mid-March.
This comes as a sigh of relief to Rob Frenette, a New Brunswick anti-bullying activist, who has been fighting to have the show removed from the air for two years.
“The timeline was too long and drug out,” Frenette said. “But overall, the ruling is a positive step. It’s just taking way too long.”
The reality show films a fight between a school-yard bully and a martial arts fighter. If the bully wins the fight, he or she gets $10,000. If the martial arts fighter is victorious, the bully’s victim receives the money.
Last week, the 21-year-old New Brunswick anti-bullying activist spoke with The Aquinian about the show. He said it hurts the anti-bullying cause more than it helps.
“The message that they’re putting out there is that bullying is okay,” Frenette said last week. “According to MTV, they believe that that’s supporting anti-bullying efforts.”
Frenette says he spoke to an internal source at the CRTC who gave him hope that the ruling will go his way.
“I think[the CRTC] has enough evidence to say the show shouldn’t be on,” Frenette said. “I am assuming further repercussions will happen to MTV if the ruling is to turn in my favour.
“I will be wanting a public apology for sure.”
Frenette said he will not get to see the CRTC’s decision prior to them making it public.
