The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announced Friday it has reversed a previous policy advising its journalists not to refer to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by Al Qaeda as terrorism. The guidance, which was first reported by The Toronto Sun, drew criticism from political figures and the public.
In an internal memo obtained by The Toronto Sun, CBC initially instructed staff to avoid using the term in reporting on the attacks. The move prompted backlash from politicians who argued it downplayed the nature of the terrorist acts.
On Friday, CBC confirmed it has changed its position and now encourages its journalists to use the term terrorism when reporting on the Sept. 11 attacks. CBC did not specify the reasons for the policy reversal but emphasized its commitment to accurate and clear reporting.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates over language and framing in media coverage of terrorism and national security issues.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
