The CBC has changed its policy regarding the terminology used to describe the September 11 attacks, allowing reporters to refer to the events as “terrorism” without requiring direct attribution. This decision follows criticism from both Canadian and U.S. officials, including the U.S. ambassador to Canada and the FBI director. The policy that initially prohibited the use of the term was highlighted in a leaked memo sent ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which noted the attacks should not be called terrorist attacks. CBC’s senior director of journalistic standards, Basem Boshra, acknowledged that the policy caused significant concern and was seen as an attempt to minimize the events of that day. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that Canada has legally recognized 9/11 as a terrorist attack. The reversal has been welcomed by officials including Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller, who criticized the previous guidance as misguided.
Why It Matters
This story is significant because the September 11 attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and are legally recognized as terrorist acts in Canada and the U.S. The initial policy by the CBC was seen as an effort to avoid potential bias, but it sparked outrage among victims’ families and public officials who believed it obscured the historical reality of the attacks. The debate over the terminology reflects broader discussions about how language influences public understanding of terrorism and its implications. The policy reversal underscores the importance of accurate representation in journalism, especially regarding events that have had profound impacts on national and global security.
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