In a recent development, CBS News has reportedly taken possession of confidential personal files from Catherine Herridge, a former reporter of the network who had been delving into the controversial Hunter Biden laptop scandal.
Herridge was among the 20 CBS News employees who were dismissed during a wave of layoffs last week.
According to CBS staffers, the network's acquisition of Herridge's personal files has raised concerns. They fear that these files may contain identities of confidential sources, materials, and legal discussions. The New York Post reported that CBS staffers are apprehensive about the network being subpoenaed to reveal Herridge's sources, which they believe could pose a threat to press freedom.
A source disclosed to the outlet, "They never seize documents [when youre let go]. They want to see what damaging documents she has." The source further criticized the network's approach, stating, "This is a company that only plays checkers. They dont play chess. They dont understand the ramifications of their actions."
Another source revealed that following Herridge's dismissal, CBS News packed up her personal belongings but retained her notes and files. The network reportedly informed Herridge that they would consider whether her files would be returned to her.
Herridge is currently embroiled in legal issues and could potentially face contempt charges for not complying with US District Judge Christopher Cooper's order to explain her knowledge of a federal investigation involving a Chinese American running a graduate program in Virginia. This investigation was part of her work in 2017 when she was with Fox News.
Herridge had previously encountered resistance from her superiors regarding her coverage of Hunter Biden and had also had disagreements with CBS News President Ingrid-Ciprian Matthews. A source suggested that the network may believe Herridge's personal files contain information that could lead to a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Jonathan Turley, a former CBS legal analyst, initially reported the seizure of Herridge's documents in an article for The Hill. He stated, "She was pursuing stories that were unwelcomed by the Biden White House and many Democratic powerhouses, including the Hur report on Joe Bidens diminished mental capacity, the Biden corruption scandal and the Hunter Biden laptop."
A spokesperson for CBS News told the New York Post that they intend to return the files to Herridge. The spokesperson stated, "We have respected her request to not go through the files, and out of our concern for confidential sources, the office she occupied has remained secure since her departure. We are prepared to pack up the rest of her files immediately on her behalf with her representative present as she requested."
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