“Terrorism generally implies attacks against unarmed civilians for political, religious or some other ideological reason,” the guidance reads. “But it’s a highly controversial term that can leave journalists taking sides in a conflict.”
According to Boshra, the CBC has reviewed its language guidance and has “decided to adjust it to clarify that direct attribution is not required for describing the historic events of 9/11 as terrorism. We are doing so to remove what has unfortunately (and unintentionally) become an impediment to clarity and public understanding.”
