Catherine Herridge: Being Fired From CBS, the Trump v. Biden Debate, and Hunter’s Laptop
Added: Jul 12, 2024
Catherine Herridge, a veteran investigative journalist with nearly four decades of experience, discusses her career trajectory and recent transition to independent journalism. Herridge began her career at ABC News in London in 1987, describing it as a "golden window" in television news. She worked for major networks including ABC, Fox News, and CBS News before being let go from CBS in February 2023. Herridge reflects on the prestige and resources available in network news during the late 1980s and early 1990s, contrasting it with the current media landscape.
Transition to Independent Journalism
After leaving CBS, Herridge took time to educate herself about the changing media marketplace. She was surprised by how much the landscape had evolved in the four and a half years she was at CBS News. Herridge observed that major media entities are shrinking and contracting, with audiences getting older, while the real explosive growth is occurring with smaller independent operations and newsrooms. She decided to go independent, telling stories she couldn't tell before, leveraging her network of contacts built over decades.
Challenges in Modern Journalism
Herridge discusses the challenges facing journalists today, particularly in protecting confidential sources. She is currently involved in a legal case where she's been asked to disclose confidential source information, which she has refused to do. Herridge emphasizes the importance of the Press Act, a piece of legislation in the Senate that would provide a federal shield law for reporters, allowing them to protect confidential sources with few exceptions. She argues that the protection of confidential sources is crucial for investigative journalism.
Media Landscape and Social Media
The conversation touches on the changing media landscape, with Herridge noting the shift towards platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for news dissemination and political discourse. She shares her experience of releasing an investigative report on X, reaching millions of viewers and fostering open, candid discussions. She expresses appreciation for the platform's ability to host sensitive topics and engage a diverse audience.
Investigative Journalism and Accountability
Herridge emphasizes the importance of accountability journalism, describing it as seeking facts and figuring out where the buck stops, regardless of political affiliation. She discusses her approach to investigative reporting, focusing on stories that have been untold or underreported. She mentions her recent investigation into a soldier with a debilitating heart condition allegedly caused by the COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the military's failure to properly care for the individual.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Herridge reveals that her next project will focus on immigration and border issues, investigating potential violations of federal law and regulations by Homeland Security. She expresses concern about the lack of transparency regarding the number of people entering the country illegally and the potential security risks involved. She sees this as a significant story that deserves a deep dive and believes it's an issue of great importance to American voters.
Reflections on Corporate Media
The interview includes discussions about the state of corporate media and the reasons behind Herridge's departure from CBS News. While Herridge remains respectful of her former employers, she expresses disappointment in how her departure was handled, particularly the seizing of her investigative files and reporting notes. She emphasizes the importance of protecting journalistic materials and confidential sources.
Personal Approach to Journalism
Herridge describes her approach to journalism as calling "balls and strikes," focusing on accountability regardless of political affiliations. She stresses the importance of giving ample time for responses from entities being investigated and maintaining independence from public affairs offices. She expresses a commitment to telling stories that may have been difficult to tell in corporate media settings.
Impact of Technology on Journalism
The conversation touches on how technology has changed journalism. Herridge notes that while technology has improved the ability to do journalism, she sometimes feels that the reporting has gotten worse. She emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground, person-to-person contact in reporting and the value of detailed, tactile experiences in storytelling.
Future of Journalism
Herridge expresses optimism about the future of independent journalism, noting the public's hunger for credible, reliable information. She sees the current moment as an inflection point in media, with new voices and platforms emerging. She believes there's a place for investigative journalism on platforms like X and other digital media, driven by people's desire for authentic, engaging content.
Personal Reflections
Throughout the interview, Herridge reflects on her career and the changes she's experienced in the industry. She expresses gratitude for the opportunities she's had and the lessons learned from experienced colleagues. She also shares personal anecdotes, including a conversation with her son about the potential consequences of her refusal to disclose confidential sources.
Conclusion
The interview concludes with Herridge expressing her continued passion for journalism and her commitment to protecting free speech and a free press. She sees these principles as her North Star guiding her in this new chapter of her career. She remains dedicated to pursuing important stories and maintaining high journalistic standards in her independent work.
