NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Testing 9/11 Tribute in Lights are seen from a ship on the Hudson River ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on September 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Liao Pan/China News Service via Getty Images)
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Canada’s public broadcaster, the CBC, has instructed its journalists to use caution when employing the words “terror” or “terrorist” in coverage of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people, including 26 Canadians. CBC Public Affairs Director Kerry Kelly said the network’s practice is to attribute such terms, using them only when a source or interview subject includes them.
The guidance drew criticism after a Toronto Sun columnist reported that CBC reporters had received a memo advising them not to refer to the Sept. 11 attacks as terrorist attacks. New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino accused the network of minimizing the events, prompting a broader discussion about media language.
394261 05: Smoke pours from the World Trade Center after being hit by two planes September 11, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Fabina Sbina/ Hugh Zareasky/Getty Images)
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The Associated Press Stylebook also advises caution. It defines terrorism as “the calculated use of violence, especially against civilians, to create terror,” but recommends avoiding the terms because they have become politicized and are applied inconsistently. The AP suggests describing events in precise, factual language.
US newspapers headline 12 September, 2001 the terror attacks on New York and Washington 11 September 2001. A total of four passenger jets were hijacked, with two flying into the World Trade Tower in New York and collapsing them, one flying into the Pentagon and the fourth crashed in a rural area of Pennsylvania. AFP PHOTO (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
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In recent years, the term “terrorism” has been used in varied contexts, such as describing ICE shootings or protests, prompting media outlets to consider the impact of labeling. The CBC has previously explained its approach, stating that it does not designate specific groups or acts as terrorist, because such language can impede objective reporting.
The debate over terminology highlights the challenges journalists face when covering emotionally charged events. While some advocate for direct language, others emphasize the importance of neutral, fact‑based reporting that respects the victims and avoids politicization.