(BPR) A shocking report has emerged that CBS News seized all of journalist Catherine Herridge’s files, computers, and records after laying her off.
As previously reported, CBS News’ parent company, Paramount Global, announced the layoff of 800 employees earlier this month, including Herridge. That in itself was unexpected given her track record for producing stellar journalism.
Catherine Herridge is OUT at CBS News. Here’s the whole scoop https://t.co/neHN4BlmhE
— Politisite (@Politisite) February 14, 2024
But even more shocking is a new report from legal scholar Jonathan Turley revealing that CBS News has also taken “the unusual step of seizing her files, computers and records, including information on privileged sources.”
“For many of us who have worked in the media for decades, this action is nothing short of shocking,” Turley wrote on Thursday for The Hill. “Journalists are generally allowed to leave with their files. Under the standard contract, including the one at CBS, journalists agree that they will make files available to the network if needed in future litigation.”
“That presupposes that they will retain control of their files. Such files are crucial for reporters, who use past contacts and work in pursuing new stories with other outlets or who cap their careers with personal memoirs,” he added.
According to Turley, this unexpected, draconian move by CBS News has alarmed many within the organization, including its union.
He reported speaking confidentially with current and former CBS employees who all said that CBS News has never once before seized a reporter’s files and records after laying them off.
“A former CBS manager, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said that he had ‘never heard of anything like this,’” Turley revealed. “He attested to the fact that, in past departures, journalists took all of their files and office contents.”
“Indeed, the company would box up everything from cups to post-its for departing reporters. He said the holding of the material was ‘outrageous’ and clearly endangered confidential sources,” according to Turley.
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. One source said that the move had sent a “chilling signal” in the ranks of CBS. https://t.co/AfPQNbFIJl
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) February 22, 2024
