CBC changes policy to label 9/11 attacks as terrorism

Canada’s public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, has announced an exception to its journalistic policy regarding the use of the term ‘terrorism.’ The broadcaster will now explicitly label the September 11 attacks as terrorism following significant criticism.

Previously, CBC standards generally prohibited reporters from describing specific events as terrorist attacks unless they were directly quoting an official or expert. The policy came under scrutiny after a leaked memo regarding the 25th anniversary of the attacks drew condemnation from the FBI director, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, and members of Canada’s Conservative party.

Basem Boshra, senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, stated the change aims to remove an “impediment to clarity and public understanding.” While making this exception for 9/11, the broadcaster maintained that for other acts of violence, it will continue to attribute motivations to officials and experts to maintain journalistic standards.