CBS News has reportedly retained the files of an investigative reporter who was let go.
The New York Post reported Thursday that CBS seized the files of Catherine Herridge after she was let go by the network last week.
It pointed out Herridge is in the midst of a First Amendment case involving a court order to reveal how she learned about a federal probe into a Chinese American scientist.
She has also made news for her coverage of President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and information recovered from his laptop that was left at a computer repair shop.
In response to the reported seizure of her files by CBS, her union said in a statement, “SAG-AFTRA strongly condemns CBS News’ decision to seize Catherine Herridge’s reporter notes and research from her office, including confidential source information.”
“This action is deeply concerning to the union because it sets a dangerous precedent for all media professionals and threatens the very foundation of the First Amendment,” it continued.
Important update via @sagaftra https://t.co/4LAYhnpil5
— Catherine Herridge (@C__Herridge) February 22, 2024
The union said it is “completely inappropriate for an employer to lay off a reporter and take the very unusual step of retaining and searching the reporter’s files, inclusive of confidential source identification and information.”
“From a First Amendment standpoint, a media corporation with a commitment to journalism calling a reporter’s research and confidential source reporting “proprietary information” is both shocking and absurd,” it added.
Finally, SAG-AFTRA said:
“The retention of a media professional’s reporting materials by their former employer is a serious break with traditional practices which supports the immediate return of reporting materials. We urge CBS to return this material to Catherine in support of the most basic of First Amendment principles. We are encouraged by recent outreach by CBS News to SAG-AFTRA on this matter, and we are hopeful that it will be resolved shortly.”
CBS News rejected the claim it was keeping sensitive material, telling the Post, “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,” a spokesperson added.