The Republican Party has decided to withdraw accreditation for CBC/Radio-Canada journalists to attend their upcoming midterm convention in Dallas, Texas on September 9 and 10. Chuck Thompson, the head of public affairs at CBC, confirmed this development on Monday, expressing disappointment and hoping for a reconsideration of the decision.
CBC is currently evaluating the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) move. Despite attempts to seek clarification from convention organizers, there has been no immediate response to CBC News’ inquiries sent via email. The White House redirected CBC’s questions to the RNC, which was unreachable by phone on Monday evening.
This action follows escalating tensions between Canada and the United States, marked by reciprocal sanctions and strong rhetoric from both nations’ politicians. Recent criticisms from Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials were directed at CBC following the disclosure of an internal memo concerning the use of terms like “terrorism” in relation to the 9/11 attacks, which attracted international attention.
The leaked memo highlighted a CBC policy instructing journalists to refrain from labeling specific acts of violence as “terrorist” unless officially attributed. This policy drew widespread criticism ahead of the upcoming 25th-anniversary commemoration of 9/11 next month.
In response to the backlash, CBC’s senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, Basem Boshra, announced on Friday that the language guidance would be adjusted. The clarification aims to eliminate any confusion and enhance public understanding by stating that direct attribution is not mandatory when describing the historic events of 9/11 as terrorism.
The situation continues to evolve, with CBC monitoring developments closely and hoping for a resolution with the RNC regarding media accreditation for the convention.