CBS News on Monday finally returned confidential files on fired investigative reporter Katherine Herridge amid mounting pressure from the House Judiciary Committee and the union representing the reporter, the Post reported.
Mr. Herridge, who is in the midst of a high-stakes First Amendment case, was involved in Hunter Biden’s rap when the acclaimed journalist was shockingly fired nearly two weeks ago as part of a mass layoff by parent company Paramount Global. He was investigating a top scandal.
Her personal files, along with her work laptop, which may have contained other sensitive information, were immediately confiscated and stored at CBS headquarters in Manhattan.
“A representative from Katherine Herridge’s union received her materials this morning,” a CBS News representative confirmed to the Post on Monday.
On Friday, the Post exclusively reported that the House Judiciary Committee is opening an investigation into the agency’s shocking seizure of reporters’ files as part of their firings.
In a letter to CBS News President Ingrid Cyprian-Matthews, the committee said: “CBS News’ unprecedented actions chill good journalism and ultimately undermine our nation’s commitment to free press. There is a risk of weakening it.”
Mr. Cyprian-Matthews and network executives have until March 1 to provide information about who handled Mr. Herridge’s files and who ordered their storage.
It’s unclear who gave the order to seize Herridge’s files in the first place — whether it came from Cyprian-Matthews or her boss, CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon or CBS CEO George Cheeks. is.
A senior CBS official told the Post that neither Mr. McMahon nor Mr. Cheeks was involved in the decision to keep Mr. Herridge’s file.
CBS had no immediate comment.
The network was particularly confused when SAG-AFTRA, the union representing CBS News employees, came out strongly in support of Herridge, according to people close to the situation.
“This action is deeply concerning to the union because it sets a dangerous precedent for all media professionals and threatens the very foundations of the First Amendment,” the union said at the time. Ta.
Herridge, who is at the center of a First Amendment case closely watched by journalists across the country, was among 20 CBS News staffers fired as part of Paramount’s massive purge of 800 employees. He was one of the
During his time at CBS, Mr. Herridge faced obstacles from upper management over his coverage of Hunter Biden, and Cyprian, the abusive executive who was investigated and released in 2021 for favoritism and discriminatory hiring and management practices. He also clashed with Mr. Matthews. , as the Post previously reported.
Some sources have speculated that the network believes Mr. Herridge’s file contains information that could lead to a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Some wondered if she had classified information (including sources) central to her investigation into Hunter Biden.
Herridge is currently facing charges for failing to comply with U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s order to reveal how he learned of a federal investigation into a Chinese-American scientist who ran a graduate program in Virginia. It’s been criticized.
The journalist could soon be held in contempt of court for failing to reveal the sources of an investigative article he wrote in 2017 while working for Fox News.
She could be ordered to personally pay fines, which could reach up to $5,000 per day.
Insiders feared that CBS could be subpoenaed to reveal the identities of its sources, which could threaten press freedom principles.
Leaving confidential documents in the hands of anonymous CBS employees could violate HIPAA laws, as Ms. Herridge’s files may also include personal and family medical records. Of course, some feared that Herridge’s many other confidential sources could also be compromised.
CBS has previously denied any plans to keep any classified information belonging to Herridge, saying last week that “we stand ready to immediately pack up the remaining files on her behalf. will be present.”
Separately from Filegate, Herridge’s departure drew an outpouring of support for the embattled journalist from fellow journalists, viewers and organizations.
On Monday, the American Legal Advocacy Group, which worked with Herridge on the massive investigation, said it was “disappointed” that CBS News had expelled the journalist.
“The Duchess of Cambridge’s candor and difficult reporting on the mistreatment of injured Air National Guard members and other key MoD personnel.” [Department of Defense] and VA [Veterans Affairs] “This issue affects more than 1 million U.S. veterans,” the group said in a statement.
Last November, the group worked with Herridge to conduct a study that found the National Guard was rejecting 30% of injury claims recommended by local commanders and found that the right policy among service members. Questions have arisen as to whether procedures and procedures are being followed.
“The Duchess of Cambridge’s unique ability to dig deep and demand accountability from the U.S. government comes at great personal cost,” the group said. “We at USJAG support Katherine Herridge and stand behind her 100%.”
