Fabi Incident – Cogeco Diffusion Apologizes
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Fabi Incident – Cogeco Diffusion Apologizes
Montréal, November 26, 2012 – 98.5 fm Radio broadcasts on week-days a show called
“Fabi la nuit”. On Wednesday, November 21, during a call-in segment, a listener uttered
unacceptable comments regarding the Jewish population and the Holocaust. The on-air
host, Jacques Fabi, failed his obligation to observe and enforce the codes of ethics of
the industry and of COGECO Diffusion in the circumstances.
Senior Management of COGECO Diffusion offers its apologies for the inappropriate
comments made on air, as they are fundamentally contrary to the applicable rules.
COGECO Diffusion confirms that it has suspended its on-air host, Jacques Fabi, without
pay for a period of one month, effective on the date of the incident which occurred on
November 21.
“COGECO Diffusion and 98.5 fm do not endorse in any way these comments and
deplore, without reservation, the on-air host’s lack of judgment in this case. The
measures taken reflect the seriousness of the incident as well as COGECO Diffusion’s
duty to demand the respect of its code of ethics. Jacques Fabi is an experienced radio
personality with a solid reputation in the business and he deeply regrets the incident as
expressed in his personal apology letter published today,” said Richard Lachance,
Senior Vice President, COGECO Diffusion.
ABOUT COGECO DIFFUSION
COGECO Diffusion, one of Québec’s largest radio broadcasters, is a subsidiary of
COGECO Inc., a diversified communications company with subordinate voting shares
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). COGECO Diffusion operates
thirteen (13) radio stations across Québec including: Rythme FM, CKOI FM, 98.5 fm,
92.5 The Beat and Radio Circulation 730 AM in Montréal; FM 93 and 102.9 FM in
Québec City; CIME FM in Saint-Jérôme; Rythme FM and 107.7 fm Sherbrooke as well
as Rythme FM and 106.9 fm Trois-Rivières and 104.7 fm Outaouais. COGECO Diff usion
also owns Cogeco Métromédia outdoor.
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Information : David Crête
Director, Communications and Marketing
COGECO Diffusion
(514) 787-7848 or david.crete@cogecodiffusion.com