CBC Revises 9/11 Language Policy After Public Backlash Over Terrorism Terminology

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation modified its internal journalism guidelines Friday in response to widespread criticism over language used to describe the September 11, 2001, attacks. The policy shift came to light as the broadcaster prepared coverage for the milestone 25th anniversary of the tragedy that killed thousands in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

An earlier internal memo directed CBC News staff to avoid characterizing the attacks as “terrorist attacks,” instead describing them as hijackings resulting in passenger jet crashes and the destruction of the World Trade Center. The directive, authored by CBC News senior director of journalistic standards and public trust Basem Boshra, surfaced when Toronto Sun columnist Warren Kinsella reported its contents publicly.

Boshra acknowledged the leaked excerpt triggered confusion and distress among audiences who feared the network sought to downplay the severity of al-Qaeda’s assault. He emphasized that CBC’s extensive reporting over 25 years had thoroughly documented the attacks, their perpetrators, and the resulting loss of life and grief experienced by survivors and families.

The broadcaster attributed its previous caution to longstanding journalistic practice requiring attribution when describing acts of violence with politically or ideologically motivated origins. Boshra stated the policy adjustment would eliminate barriers to public clarity while maintaining standards for attributing causes and motivations to official sources in coverage of future violent incidents.

Meanwhile, a military judge on Friday invalidated a confession provided by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, identified as the suspected architect of the September 11 attacks. Lt. Col. Michael Schrama ruled that statements Mohammed made to investigators in 2007 were not voluntary, further delaying proceedings that previously had set a trial date for June 2028.