The CBC is standing by its policy of not referring to Hamas militants perpetrating violence in Israel as “terrorists,” despite backlash from Jewish advocacy organizations.
In response to Hamas’ attacks on Israel that have killed at least 700 Israelis and injured over 2000, the CBC’s director of journalistic standards and public trust, George Achi, sent an email to the broadcaster’s journalists instructing them to not refer to anyone as terrorists when covering the conflict.
The Canadian government’s designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization, though Achi told CBC journalists that referring to the Palestinian “fighters” as terrorists is a matter of opinion, not fact.
“The notion of terrorism remains heavily politicized and is part of the story,” said Achi.
“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. That includes statements from the Canadian government and Canadian politicians.”
The leaked email provoked significant backlash, including from Jewish groups.
Honest Reporting Canada, a media watchdog promoting fair media coverage of Israel, released a statement condemning the CBC for slanting its coverage against Israel and whitewashing terrorism.
“CBC News refuses to refer to Hamas, a proxy of Iran which has kidnapped Israeli women, children, men and the elderly and which has slaughtered over 300 innocent Israelis in cold blood as terrorists,” reads Honest Reporting Canada’s statement.
In a comment to True North, the CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson said that the CBC is focused on delivering fact-based reporting and on describing what is happening in Israel.
“As was stated in George Achi’s note to our journalists, CBC News attributes the words ‘terrorist’ and ‘terrorism’ to authorities, politicians and other officials who use these terms,” said Thompson.
“However, we ourselves avoid declaring specific groups terrorists, in line with the policies of many reputable news organizations and agencies around the world. The focus of our news coverage is on describing exactly what happened in detail, as we have with all that has transpired this weekend.”
When asked about Honest Reporting Canada’s claim that the CBC’s reporting is biased against Israel, Thompson reiterated the CBC’s commitment to accuracy, balance and fairness.
“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.”
Hamas is an organization that uses political and violent means in its pursuit to establish an Islamic state in Israel. This has led to Canada, the United States, and the European Union to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
