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CBC allows reporters to describe 9/11 attacks as terrorism without attribution after backlash
IL🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive8/30/2026

CBC allows reporters to describe 9/11 attacks as terrorism without attribution after backlash

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) revised its editorial guidelines regarding the description of the 9/11 attacks after facing international criticism over a memo that advised reporters not to label the attacks as 'terrorism.' The original memo, authored by Basem Boshra, emphasized the need for caution in using the term 'terrorism' and suggested attributing such labels to specific groups. However, due to public backlash, CBC adjusted its stance, stating that direct attribution is no longer required when referring to the 9/11 attacks as acts of terrorism. This change aims to improve clarity and public understanding while maintaining the requirement for attribution in future reports on other events.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has revised its editorial guidelines regarding the terminology used to describe the September 11, 2001, attacks. Following widespread criticism over a previous internal memo that advised reporters against referring to the attacks as "terrorism," the CBC has adjusted its policy to allow descriptions of the events as such without requiring direct attribution. The initial memo, issued by Basem Boshra, senior director of journalistic standards and public trust at CBC News, instructed reporters and editors to exercise caution before using the term "terrorism" in reference to the 9/11 attacks. This directive sparked international backlash, with many viewing it as an attempt to downplay the significance of the attacks. CBC spokeswoman Kerry Kelly confirmed the organization’s longstanding practice of using the term "terrorism" only with proper attribution, emphasizing the importance of context and accountability in reporting. In response to the controversy, Chuck Thompson, Head of Public Affairs at CBC, informed media outlets that the network would revise its language guidance specifically for coverage of the 9/11 attacks. A new editor’s blog post by Boshra acknowledged the concerns raised by the memo, noting that it had caused distress among individuals who felt the CBC was minimizing the gravity of the events. He emphasized that the CBC has consistently reported on the causes and motivations behind the attacks based on official investigations and independent commissions. Boshra clarified that the CBC has never claimed the 9/11 attacks were not acts of terrorism. Instead, the organization has maintained that its reporting on terrorism, regardless of location, has always adhered to the principle of providing clear attribution. However, the updated guidelines now state that direct attribution is not necessary when discussing the historical events of September 11, 2001, as long as the context is appropriately established. This change aims to enhance clarity and ensure that the public understands the nature of the attacks without unnecessary barriers. While future reporting on other incidents involving terrorism will still require attribution, the adjustment reflects a broader effort to balance accuracy with accessibility in journalism. The decision comes amid ongoing debates about the role of media in shaping public perception of historical events. Critics argue that the original memo risked obscuring the reality of the attacks, while supporters of the CBC’s stance maintain that careful language is essential to prevent misinformation and uphold journalistic integrity. As the revised guidelines take effect, the CBC continues to navigate the complex relationship between truth-telling and responsibility in reporting on sensitive subjects.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

The Jerusalem Post logoThe Jerusalem PostIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 658/30/2026
CBC allows reporters to describe 9/11 attacks as terrorism without attribution after backlash

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) revised its editorial guidelines regarding the description of the 9/11 attacks after facing international criticism over a memo that advised reporters not to label the attacks as 'terrorism.' The original memo, authored by Basem Boshra, emphasized the need for caution in using the term 'terrorism' and suggested attributing such labels to specific groups. However, due to public backlash, CBC adjusted its stance, stating that direct attribution is no longer required when referring to the 9/11 attacks as acts of terrorism. This change aims to improve clarity and public understanding while maintaining the requirement for attribution in future reports on other events.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, detailing both the initial memo and the subsequent revision of guidelines. It includes quotes from multiple sources within CBC and does not exhibit biased language or selective sourcing. The focus is on the internal decision-making process and public反应

Why factuality (75): The article reports on CBC's revision of its editorial guidelines regarding the use of the term 'terrorism' in describing the 9/11 attacks. It references a memo from CBC and quotes statements from CBC officials, aligning with the cross-source consensus that CBC had initially advised against labeling

Why objectivity (65): The article presents the situation from CBC's perspective, noting the internal conflict and the response to public backlash. While it includes quotes from CBC officials, it frames the issue as a controversy over CBC's language choices, which may subtly imply a bias toward the public's concerns rathe

i24NEWS logoi24NEWSIndependentProgressiveFactual 65Objective 408/28/2026
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reportedly advises reporters to avoid calling 9/11 'terrorism'

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has reportedly advised its reporters to refrain from using the term 'terrorism' to describe the September 11 attacks. This guidance appears to be part of broader internal policies aimed at shaping narrative frameworks around sensitive historical events. The directive suggests a deliberate effort to influence how the event is characterized within journalistic content. While the CBC did not provide specific reasons for this recommendation, such guidelines often reflect institutional perspectives on historical interpretation. The advice highlights the potential for media outlets to shape public understanding through controlled terminology.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the CBC's advisory as a form of institutional control over historical narratives, implying a left-leaning perspective that challenges dominant interpretations of 9/11. By highlighting the use of the term 'terrorism,' the piece suggests a critical stance toward official categorisms

Why factuality (65): The article reports that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reportedly advised reporters to avoid using the term 'terrorism' when referring to 9/11. However, no official statement or primary source document was provided to confirm this claim, making it difficult to verify the accuracy. The

Why objectivity (40): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'reportedly' and implies a potential censorship or bias by CBC. It frames the issue as a directive from CBC, suggesting an internal policy, without providing any direct quotes or documentation. This creates a subjective narrative rather than pres

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