CBC tells reporters not to use 'terrorist' in Hamas coverage: Leaked emails
The Canadian Broadcast Company instructed reporters not to use the term "terrorist" in their coverage of Israel's war with Hamas, leaked emails reveal.
"Do not refer to militants, soldiers or anyone else as ‘terrorists.’ The notion of terrorism remains heavily politicized and is part of the story," CBC's director of journalistic standards, George Achi, wrote in an email to employees on Saturday.
The CBC executive instructed journalists to make sure audiences understand that when quoting someone using this term, they are stating "opinion."
"Even when quoting/clipping a government or a source referring to fighters as ‘terrorists,’ we should add context to ensure the audience understands this is opinion, not fact," he added.
U.S.-based group "StopAntisemitism" first shared the leaked email on X.
CBC journalists were also urged to avoid calling 2005 "the end" of Israeli occupation.
"Please do not describe 2005 as 'the end of the occupation' as Israel has maintained control over airspace, seafront, and virtually all movement into or out of the area," the email said. "Our description should be fact-based, referring to the end of permanent Israeli military presence on the ground."
A CBC spokesperson confirmed the internal email's legitimacy to Fox News Digital. The CBC characterized the protocol as similar to practices followed by other media outlets.
"CBC News attributes the words ‘terrorist’ and ‘terrorism’ to authorities, politicians and other officials who use these terms. There is no ban on these words. However, we ourselves avoid declaring specific groups terrorists, in line with the policies of many reputable news organizations and agencies around the world," the spokesperson said.
"The focus of our news coverage is on describing exactly what happened in detail, as we have with all that has transpired this weekend. Our approach has been consistent and ensured CBC’s journalism over decades of conflict in the Middle East lives up to our commitment to accuracy, balance and fairness," the statement concluded.
The U.S. Department of State designates Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization.
Fox News' Kristine Parks contributed to this update.
Posted by Chris Pandolfo
