CBC releases policy change after controversy about refusing to refer to 9/11 as ‘terrorist attacks’
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's leaked memo told journalists not to call 9/11 a terrorist attack, sparking outrage before the anniversary.
TL;DR
- 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.