Archive · 28 Aug 2026
CBC Tells Journalists Avoid 'Terrorist Attack' in 9/11 Coverage
CBC is a Canadian broadcaster preparing stories about the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
It reportedly told journalists not to use the phrase “terrorist attack.”
One critic strongly disagreed with that instruction.
She said the words dishonour people who died and those affected.
She also mentioned victims’ families, survivors, and first responders.
The critic said changing the wording could make history seem less serious.
The report does not explain why CBC gave the instruction.
The disagreement is about which words journalists should use when describing 9/11.
CBC reportedly instructed journalists not to describe 9/11 as a “terrorist attack.”
The guidance concerns the broadcaster’s coverage of the attacks’ 25th anniversary.
A critic said refusing the term dishonours victims, survivors, families, and first responders.
The critic accused the guidance of sanitizing or rewriting history.
The available report does not state CBC’s rationale for the terminology instruction.
- Who
- The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and its journalists; an unnamed critic also commented on the guidance.
- What
- CBC reportedly instructed journalists not to call 9/11 a “terrorist attack” in anniversary coverage.
- When
- During preparations for coverage of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
- Where
- Canada, involving the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
- Why
- The stated reason for the instruction is not provided in the available report; the critic opposed it because she said the wording dishonours those affected.
CBC’s Reported Terminology Guidance
Criticism of the Guidance
How to describe 9/11
CBC’s Reported Terminology Guidance
CBC reportedly instructed journalists not to use the phrase “terrorist attack” in its 25th-anniversary coverage.
Criticism of the Guidance
A critic said refusing to use the term dishonours the victims, their families, survivors, and first responders.
Historical description
CBC’s Reported Terminology Guidance
The available report does not provide CBC’s explanation for the terminology guidance.
Criticism of the Guidance
The critic said sanitizing or rewriting the history of the attacks is deeply offensive and does a disservice to those affected.
- Organization
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
- Event
- The September 11 attacks, referred to as 9/11
- Coverage
- Reporting on the attacks’ 25th anniversary
- Reported guidance
- Journalists were instructed not to call 9/11 a “terrorist attack.”
- Criticism
- A critic called the guidance offensive and said it dishonours those affected.
- Groups mentioned
- Victims, their families, survivors, and first responders