CBS News Files Seized from Ex-Reporter Ignite Controversy Over Press Freedom

Washington, D.C. — Catherine Herridge, a former CBS News reporter, has reignited discussions on press freedom following her release of images depicting confidential files seized by the network. These files reportedly contained sensitive information regarding the origins of COVID-19 and Hunter Biden.

Herridge, who was dismissed from CBS News in February amid widespread layoffs by its parent company, Paramount Global, took to social media to draw attention to the materials returned to her one year after their seizure. She stated, “Today, I am releasing photos of the records for the first time so you can see the sheer volume involved.” One image showed stacks of folders next to a box labeled by Home Depot, illustrating the weighty collection that Herridge claims amounts to over 100 pounds distributed across four large boxes.

Addressing the incident, Herridge characterized CBS News’ actions as a “journalistic rape” and an “attack on investigative journalism.” She expressed her hope that no other investigative reporter would suffer a similar experience in the future. A spokesperson for CBS News declined to comment on the situation.

The controversy surrounding Herridge’s reporting and the subsequent seizure of her materials culminated in a hearing last April by a House Judiciary subcommittee, entitled “Fighting for a Free Press: Protecting Journalists and Their Sources.” During the hearing, Herridge testified about her refusal to reveal confidential sources related to a sensitive national security story. The files were eventually returned following mounting pressure from SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals and performers.

In her plea, Herridge praised SAG-AFTRA for defending journalism during the ordeal, stating, “SAG-AFTRA stood up for journalism when CBS News executives seized my reporting files.” Initially, CBS’s position was defended by a Paramount lawyer, who asserted, “CBS acted to secure and protect the material in Ms. Herridge’s office.”

Herridge, who joined CBS News in 2019 after a tenure at Fox News, faced significant challenges within the network, particularly regarding her coverage of Hunter Biden’s laptop ahead of the 2020 election. In October 2020, she reported findings from the laptop, which included a million-dollar retainer from a Chinese energy firm and various communications involving Biden. Despite presenting this evidence to CBS executives, including then-Senior Vice President Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, her reporting remained unaired.

Recalling her frustration, Herridge noted her disappointment when the network claimed it could not verify the laptop’s contents. During an interview with then-President Donald Trump, she stated, “As I watched the broadcast, I felt sick.” It wasn’t until after the November 2022 midterm elections that CBS aired a forensic review confirming the laptop’s authenticity, a report Herridge believed was due much earlier.

The media has scrutinized CBS News for its editorial decisions and alleged bias. For instance, an October episode of “60 Minutes” featured an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, where she provided conflicting responses regarding the Biden administration’s policies towards Israel. Former President Trump has since sued CBS, alleging that the edits made to the interview were intentionally deceptive, aiming to portray Harris as more concise.

Earlier this week, the New York Times reported ongoing discussions to appoint a third-party mediator regarding additional related conflicts. Herridge marked the return of her confidential files with a reflection on the importance of protecting journalistic integrity in the face of corporate decision-making.