The abrupt termination of reputable correspondent Catherine Herridge, who was praised for her innovative and creative reporting, has left CBS staff members perplexed. Confusion surrounding this decision is exacerbated by the fact that many current and former employees have never witnessed the company take such a step before.
There are questions about where the pressure came from. This unprecedented removal of documents from a journalist who was leaving CBS has sent a shiver down the spine of the company.
An unidentified former manager at CBS expressed his surprise at the organization’s new guidelines. Previously, when a journalist left, they could take their files and office supplies with them. For reporters leaving, the company even packed up everything from post-its to cups. The former manager thought this change in protocol was “outrageous” and a danger to confidential sources.
The action has sparked conjecture regarding the reasons for the seizure; some have proposed that it might be in retaliation for Herridge’s recent investigative work, which has been critical of the Biden administration.
Herridge’s longtime friend Turley was horrified at the way the situation was handled. He underlined the betrayal of confidence that occurs between reporters and their sources, pointing out that reporters typically retain their files for future reference and source privacy.
Turley wrote:
There’s a chance that these files include sources that Herridge granted confidentiality. According to the company, CBS ultimately owns the privilege of confidentiality and the material. That cannot be the case, as a threshold matter, with reference to files created during Herridge’s extensive employment with Fox News. However, it also seems that CBS is keeping those files.
Assure your sources of confidentiality to gain their trust. It takes time to build a solid understanding with reporters, but it is essential to good communication.
We at our network are dedicated to safeguarding your personal data and identity. Reporters pledge to keep your information private, disclosing it only to dependable editors or associates when required. They’ll even go to jail to keep your privacy safe. You can feel secure knowing that no unauthorized person will access your personal information.
Turley received confirmation from a source within the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)—that the union is deeply troubled by CBS’s actions and is exploring all possible avenues to resolve the matter.
