CBS Just Got Into More Trouble Over Catherine Herridge's Files, Now House Judiciary Wants Answers

In mid-February, CBS let go about 20 people from their news staff, including investigative reporter Catherine Herridge. Hundreds were also fired from the parent company, Paramount Global.

But what made the firing of Herridge even worse was that CBS seized her records, files, and computers in an unprecedented move. That has sparked a huge outcry. Herridge was covering some significant stories on the Biden family, including the Hur Report and many angles of the Hunter Biden story. That, according to one report, was disturbing higher-ups. There was also speculation that she might have had information that could impact a wrongful termination action. She also was involved in an important First Amendment case where she was standing her ground and not giving up her sources. The files reportedly "most likely contain confidential material from Herridge's stints at both Fox and CBS."

Herridge then posted an important update from her union, SAG-AFTRA, who condemned the seizure of her files and said that they had gotten an outreach from CBS and were hoping to be able to resolve the matter and get her files.

CBS Blasted for Seizing Catherine Herridge's Files, 'Information From Privileged Sources' After Firing

Now, the House Judiciary Committee is demanding answers from CBS.

🚨 BREAKING: @Jim_Jordan launches inquiry into @CBSNews' seizure of @CBS_Herridge’s personal files following her unprecedented termination from the organization.

The actions of CBS News threaten to chill effective journalism and weaken our nation’s commitment to a free press. pic.twitter.com/TpD5RgWSA7
— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) February 23, 2024

Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) asked who made the decision to terminate Herridge, why she was terminated, and why the files were seized, noting this was a chilling of a free press.

The Committee also requested all documents and communications relating to anyone who had access to her confidential materials or who reviewed, copied, or retained any of the materials or conducted any "forensic examination" of the materials. They want the information by March 1, not later than 5 p.m.

CBS seems to be quickly backpedaling in the face of the backlash. Now their spokesperson is claiming that “CBS News strongly denies any items were seized.”

As we previously reported, CBS claims that they "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,” they said.

Sources had a slightly different take, as we noted.

The source said the network boxed up all her personal belongings except for Herridge’s notes and files and informed her that it would decide what — if anything — would be returned to her.
“They never seize documents [when you’re let go],” a second source close to the network said.
“They want to see what damaging documents she has.”

I don't think CBS thought they were going to get all this grief over their actions. But as I said, it was a bad move because now, not only are they going to have Congress coming after them, they may also have inserted themselves into Herridge's First Amendment fight since they now have her files.

Media Research Center Head Brent Bozell Fires Off Blistering Letter to CBS for Seizing Herridge's Files