CBS News has terminated the employment of Catherine Herridge, a prominent reporter known for her coverage of investigations concerning the Biden family. The network’s decision has sparked controversy, with allegations surfacing that CBS seized Herridge’s notes, a move deemed “completely inappropriate” and “very unusual” by her union, SAG-AFTRA.
Herridge, a seasoned journalist specializing in national security and intelligence, was among the numerous CBS employees who faced layoffs orchestrated by parent company Paramount last week.
SAG-AFTRA issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of CBS News’ actions, particularly the seizure of Herridge’s reporter notes and research, which may contain confidential source information.
The union underscored the potential threat such actions pose to press freedom, stressing concerns about the erosion of First Amendment principles. However, CBS refuted allegations of impropriety, asserting its intention to return Herridge’s materials promptly.
A CBS News spokesperson clarified that Herridge’s personal belongings had already been delivered to her home, and the network was prepared to facilitate the retrieval of the remaining files, respecting her request for privacy.
CBS emphasized its commitment to preserving the confidentiality of Herridge’s sources, ensuring the security of her former office space since her departure. However, the network indicated that the transfer of files back to Herridge is contingent upon her response or that of her representative.
Herridge’s recent journalistic endeavors included coverage of significant events such as the House impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, special counsel Robert Hur’s report on classified documents, and Hunter Biden’s legal troubles.
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Despite her contributions to CBS, her inclusion in the recent wave of layoffs raised eyebrows within the industry, given her track record of breaking news and securing exclusive stories.
As Herridge remains silent on her dismissal, apart from sharing the union’s statement, SAG-AFTRA continues to advocate for the immediate return of her reporting materials. The union deems a former employer’s retention of a journalist’s files as a departure from standard practices, emphasizing the importance of respecting journalistic integrity.
Meanwhile, Herridge is embroiled in a separate legal battle over her refusal to disclose sources for articles she authored in 2017. Facing potential fines for non-compliance, Herridge remains steadfast in protecting her sources’ anonymity. Fox News, her former employer, has stepped in to cover her legal expenses in the ongoing case.
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Amidst the unfolding saga, reports suggest that Herridge had been investigating a story related to Hunter Biden’s abandoned laptop, encountering resistance from management.
Notably, Herridge authenticated the laptop in November 2022, corroborating earlier reports by the New York Post. Her investigative prowess and commitment to journalistic integrity continue to define her career amidst legal and professional challenges.
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