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Infidel Awareness Month
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Remember + Honor + Stand Together

Day 8 — September 18

How the Press Learned to Take Directions from Their Enemy

Outlets hesitated to even say “terrorist” — while running unverified enemy claims as news. Fake victims crowded out real ones.

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Today’s feature

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When the Press Won't Say ‘Terrorist’

News24 examines a CBC memo instructing staff to avoid describing the September 11 attacks as terrorism.

Selected day

In brief

September 18

Outlets hesitated to even say “terrorist” — while running unverified enemy claims as news. Fake victims crowded out real ones.

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Bring awareness to your community.

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Back to the month

Remember + Honor + Stand Together

Day 8 — September 18

How the Press Learned to Take Directions from Their Enemy

Outlets hesitated to even say “terrorist” — while running unverified enemy claims as news. Fake victims crowded out real ones.

Starting the day after 9/11, major news outlets showed real caution about the word 'terrorist' — worried it might sound biased, or provoke backlash.

Read the dayExplore the month

Featured video

When the Press Won't Say ‘Terrorist’

News24 examines a CBC memo instructing staff to avoid describing the September 11 attacks as terrorism.

Daily context

September 18

Outlets hesitated to even say “terrorist” — while running unverified enemy claims as news. Fake victims crowded out real ones.

Read the day

Sources

Readings & sources

  • Richard Landes, “One Man's Terrorist” — on Reuters/BBC editorial policy after 9/11
  • Douglas Murray, “Europe Spins Another Islamist Attack,” The Free Press
  • “Paris Stabbing/Knife Attack” coverage, CBS News
  • + 6 more sources
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Get involved

Get Involved

Bring awareness to your community.

Host an event
Volunteer