CBS News reportedly took the unprecedented step of seizing files and equipment from veteran reporter Catherine Herridge when they fired her last week, alarming current and former employees.
Law professor Jonathan Turley said sources at CBS had never heard of the network confiscating a reporter’s materials before.
Turley wrote, “CBS officials took the unusual step of seizing her files, computers and records, including information on privileged sources.”
He explained, “The position of CBS has alarmed many, including the union, as an attack on free press principles by one of the nation’s most esteemed press organizations.”
Turley added, “I have spoken confidentially with current and former CBS employees who have stated that they could not recall the company ever taking such a step before.”
Herridge was a well-respected national security and legal reporter during her time at both CBS and Fox News.
Her firing came amid wider layoffs at CBS parent company Paramount, though some saw it as an attack on press freedoms.
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish said, “These adjustments will help enable us to build on our momentum and execute our strategic vision for the year ahead — and I firmly believe we have much to be excited about.”
Herridge is currently fighting a court order to reveal confidential sources for stories at Fox on a federal investigation, a case watched closely for its implications on anonymous reporting.
CBS News reportedly seized the personal confidential files of acclaimed reporter Catherine Herridge when the network decided to fire her last week, sparking shock amongst employees inside the company who said that they’ve never seen this happen before.
