Following widespread criticism over an internal memo that discouraged referring to the September 11 attacks as “terrorism,” the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has updated its editorial policies.
The initial directive, issued by Basem Boshra, CBC’s senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, instructed journalists and editors to refrain from labeling the 2001 attacks as “terrorist acts.” This guidance sparked international backlash after being reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Initially, CBC spokesperson Kerry Kelly defended the policy, emphasizing that the corporation exercises “extreme caution” before using terms like “terrorist” or “terrorism,” and that the memo merely reinforced long-standing practices of requiring attribution when using such language.
CBC News will adjust its 9/11 language guidance
However, in a reversal, Chuck Thompson, CBC’s Head of Public Affairs, confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the network would revise its stance specifically regarding 9/11 coverage.
In a public statement, Boshra acknowledged the confusion surrounding CBC’s use of terms like “terrorist” and “terrorism,” particularly in relation to the al-Qaeda attacks on New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
He expressed regret over the concerns raised, stating that many individuals felt the network was downplaying the severity of the attacks and the identity of those responsible. “That was never our intention,” he said.
“To be absolutely clear, CBC News has never disputed that what occurred on September 11, 2001, constituted terrorism. Our reporting has consistently and thoroughly covered the causes and motives behind these attacks, as documented by law enforcement, government bodies, and the independent 9/11 Commission.”
Boshra emphasized that CBC’s approach to covering terrorism globally remains rooted in the principle of attribution, aligning with standard journalistic practices followed across major news organizations for decades.
Future reporting on other events will continue to require attribution
Despite the policy change for 9/11-related content, Boshra clarified that all future references to terrorism in connection with other events will still necessitate proper attribution.
He explained, “After careful review of our existing language policies, we have chosen to revise them to make it clear that direct attribution is no longer required when characterizing the historical events of 9/11 as terrorism.”
“We are taking this step to eliminate what has unfortunately and inadvertently become a barrier to clarity and public understanding,” he added.
This adjustment applies exclusively to coverage involving the September 11 attacks; all other reporting will adhere to the traditional requirement for attribution when using terms associated with terrorism.
