Unfortunately, this positive new position is under harsh attack by Honest Reporting Canada (HRC), a pro-Israel group, which wants the CBC to continue to parrot Israel's terminology, where every Palestinian is described as a "terrorist." Earlier today, HRC launched a major campaign against the CBC after a leaked email from the CBC detailed the new approach to the terminology.
Show the CBC that their new approach to use of "terror" language has strong support
We are thrilled to say that our ongoing pressure on the CBC has helped precipitate a very significant change in the way CBC will be using the "terror" designation in its reporting on Palestine-Israel.
Unfortunately, this positive new position is under harsh attack by Honest Reporting Canada (HRC), a pro-Israel group, which wants the CBC to continue to parrot Israel's terminology, where every Palestinian is described as a "terrorist." Earlier today, HRC launched a major campaign against the CBC after a leaked email from the CBC detailed the new approach to the terminology.
The leaked email seems legitimate, and incorporates some of the formal feedback we have provided to the CBC in the past.
Could you please send an email to the CBC expressing your support for the new directive? Some of the points to consider for your email would include (Note: Summarize in your own words; DO NOT copy and paste the below text):
- The CBC should never refer to Palestinian resistance as terrorism, unless specifically referring to acts of violence against civilians. There’s a substantive difference between “terrorists” and armed militants who are resisting military occupation. The widely accepted definition of terrorism is that it applies to acts of violence against civilians in order to advance political goals.
- Journalists cannot rely on Israel’s own claims about terrorism, as Israel does not make a distinction between legitimate armed resistance to occupation and acts of violence against civilians.
- Israel’s own breakdown of alleged “terrorist” shows that a huge proportion of the “terror attacks” it documents are in fact attacks on Israeli soldiers and security forces while they are on duty.
- Israeli government leaders also routinely stretch the meaning of the term “terrorism” into absurd territory, using it to describe activities such as boycotts, UN votes, and the work of human rights NGOs.
- The charge of “terrorism” carries significant implications which cannot be understated. Once someone is accused of terrorism, this often serves to excuse or justify any kind of violence against them. One consequence of using this terminology is that it drastically influences how a news consumer would interpret the story and evaluate the legitimacy of Israel's actions.
Please write an original, polite, and professional email to to the CBC in support of their new directive. CLICK HERE to open a properly addressed email and subject line. If the link doesn’t work, send your email to [email protected], [email protected] with the subject line “I support new CBC directive on use of word terrorism” in the subject line.
If you have any problems, please email [email protected].
Thank you very much for considering this special request. Every response makes a difference.
Tom Woodley, CJPME President; Jason Toney, Director, Media Advocacy
Email CJPME - CJPME Website