The Republican Party has decided to withdraw CBC/Radio-Canada’s media accreditation for its upcoming midterm convention. Chuck Thompson, the head of public affairs at CBC, confirmed on Monday that the Republican National Committee (RNC) had revoked accreditation for CBC/Radio-Canada journalists planning to cover the convention in Dallas, Texas, on September 9 and 10. Thompson expressed disappointment in a written statement and mentioned that CBC was assessing the RNC’s decision, hoping for a reconsideration.
Despite CBC News’ attempts to reach out to convention organizers via email for comment on Monday evening, there was no immediate response. The White House directed CBC’s inquiries to the RNC, which was unreachable by phone that same evening.
This action by the RNC coincides with escalating tensions between Canada and the United States due to recent sanctions and strong rhetoric from politicians on both sides of the border. Criticism towards CBC intensified after a leaked internal memo discussed the use of “terrorism” and “terrorist” in relation to the 9/11 attacks, drawing international attention. The memo, which suggested avoiding labeling specific incidents as “terrorist acts” unless explicitly referenced, faced backlash ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 next month.
In response to the controversy, CBC’s senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, Basem Boshra, announced adjustments to the language guidance. The updated policy clarifies that direct attribution is not mandatory when describing the historical events of 9/11 as terrorism. This move aims to enhance clarity and public comprehension, addressing unintentional obstacles in understanding the language guidelines.