CBC Updates 9/11 Policy
Canada's CBC Changes Policy to Label 9/11 Attacks as Terrorism After Criticism
Anonymous
Canada's CBC/Radio-Canada reversed course on a controversial policy after facing pressure from U.S. and Canadian officials. The public broadcaster will now call the September 11 attacks "terrorism," breaking from its longstanding rule against labeling specific incidents with that term WRAL. The shift came after the FBI director, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, and Republican lawmakers all criticized a memo reminding staff of the old policy ahead of the 25th anniversary Newsday.
Basem Boshra, the CBC's senior director of journalistic standards, said the change removes "an impediment to clarity and public understanding" Beaumont Enterprise. Canada's Culture Minister Marc Miller praised it as a "welcome change," while U.K. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree called the old guidance "pedantic and foolish" The Messenger.
The CBC's Hands-Off Approach to Labeling Attacks
For years, CBC/Radio-Canada had a blanket policy: journalists should avoid labeling any specific attacks as "terrorism." The broadcaster reasoned that the term was too loaded and subjective. Instead, reporters described the events and let audiences draw their own conclusions Oskaloosa. This applied even to major attacks like September 11, which killed nearly 3,000 people.
The policy was outlined in a memo sent to CBC staff as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approached. News outlets obtained the memo, sparking outrage. Critics argued the broadcaster was bending over backward in ways that muddied the facts Chronicle.
Criticism From FBI, U.S. Officials, and Congress
The backlash was swift and high-level. FBI Director Christopher Wray publicly criticized the policy. The U.S. ambassador to Canada also weighed in. Republican members of Congress denounced it as absurd Journal News. Canada's Conservative party joined the chorus, calling it a mistake Voice of Alexandria.
The criticism forced CBC leadership to act quickly. Within days, the broadcaster announced it would make an exception for 9/11. Boshra said the change was meant to put clarity first NH Register.
What This Means for Future Coverage
The CBC's exception is limited—it applies only to September 11. The broadcaster has not said it will change the broader policy for other attacks WFMZ. Journalists still face the same restrictions when covering other incidents. But the 9/11 exception signals a crack in the wall WKYC.
The reversal reflects a shift in thinking about objectivity. Some argue that refusing to name terrorism when it occurs isn't neutral—it distorts the truth. By naming 9/11 as terrorism, CBC joins most major outlets in using plain language about what happened MyNorthwest.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
16
Articles
16
Reach
16
A
AnonymousAuthor
