Overview
- A leaked internal memo, published and corroborated by multiple outlets on Thursday, instructed CBC News reporters not to refer to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as “terrorist attacks.”
- The memo, attributed to Basem Boshra, said staff should describe the events as hijackings that led to passenger jet crashes in Washington, Pennsylvania and Manhattan and note the World Trade Center was destroyed.
- CBC public affairs defended the guidance as a reminder of existing editorial practice and pointed to a 2023 editor’s blog that urged caution in using the words “terrorist” and “terrorism,” while also saying it was inaccurate to claim staff were told to declare 9/11 was not terrorism.
- The directive drew sharp criticism from Conservative MPs, Jewish advocacy groups and U.S. commentators who said avoiding the label dishonors victims and revises an established historical framing.
- No formal policy reversal or disciplinary action has been announced, and the episode raises questions about accountability for the taxpayer-funded broadcaster and what oversight or editorial review federal lawmakers, audiences or CBC leadership might seek next.