Alkali cyanides generally don't convert aryl halides to nitriles, even activated ones. Anhydrous CuCN does react at 200°C. Look at Organic Syntheses, CV 3, 212 (9-CYANOPHENANTHRENE) and Organic Syntheses, CV 3, 631 (a-NAPHTHONITRILE). Note that heavier halogens generally react better.