CBC releases policy change after controversy about refusing to refer to 9/11 as ‘terrorist attacks’

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announced a policy change regarding its description of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, following backlash from a leaked memo that advised reporters against using the term ‘terrorist attacks.’ The memo, authored by Basem Boshra, aimed to clarify that while the attacks were by al-Qaeda and involved hijackings and destruction, the CBC’s practice has always been to attribute such labels. After reviewing the guidance, CBC has decided to adjust it to state that direct attribution is not required for describing 9/11 as terrorism, aiming to improve clarity and public understanding.

• CBC News has adjusted its language guidance concerning the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
• A leaked memo previously advised reporters not to refer to the events as ‘terrorist attacks,’ causing controversy.
• The memo suggested describing the events as hijackings and crashes, with the World Trade Center’s destruction.
• Basem Boshra, CBC News’ senior director of journalistic standards, authored the memo and a subsequent explanation.
• CBC clarified that it has never stated 9/11 was not terrorism but followed a practice of attribution.
• The policy change will clarify that direct attribution is not required for describing 9/11 as terrorism.
• The decision aims to remove an impediment to clarity and public understanding.
• CBC will continue its practice of attributing causes and motivations for new acts of violence.
• The report also mentions a military judge throwing out a confession from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.