CBC Changes Policy on Language Used for 9/11 Terrorists
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has officially changed its internal policy regarding how it describes the hijackers involved in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The public broadcaster had previously instructed its staff to avoid using the term "terrorists" when referring to the individuals responsible for the attacks.
This instruction was revealed through a leaked internal memo, which quickly caused a significant public reaction. Many people, including Canadian Conservative politicians and various United States officials, expressed strong disagreement with the broadcaster’s decision to remove the specific label from its reporting guidelines.
Following the intense criticism, the CBC decided to reverse its policy. The organization confirmed that it will continue to use the term "terrorist" when reporting on the 9/11 hijackers. The broadcaster stated that its goal is to maintain clear and accurate reporting that reflects the historical reality of the events.
This situation highlights the ongoing debate regarding the role of public media and the language used to describe major historical events. As the CBC moves forward, it faces the challenge of balancing its editorial guidelines with public expectations for objective and sensitive journalism.