CBS News’ decision to terminate investigative reporter Catherine Herridge has sparked a firestorm of controversy and raised serious concerns about journalistic freedom and source confidentiality. The network’s aggressive actions, including confiscating Herridge’s files and records, have been described as “chilling” by her colleagues and the SAG-AFTRA union.

In the wake of her firing, the network’s seizure of Herridge’s materials, which reportedly contained sensitive information on privileged sources, has caused alarm and led to heightened concerns over the sanctity of confidential sources.

Herridge’s pursuit of stories that were not well-received by the Biden White House and Democratic power brokers has added to the ominous tone of the situation.

A former journalist from CBS expressed confusion over Herridge’s termination, stating, “I had never seen a seizure of records from a departing journalist, and that the move had sent a ‘chilling signal’ in the ranks of CBS.”

Additionally, a former CBS manager criticized the retention of Herridge’s materials as “outrageous” and a direct threat to the safety of confidential sources.

The SAG-AFTRA union has raised this controversy with CBS, expressing extreme concern about the impact of these actions on journalistic practices and source confidentiality. A union spokesperson emphasized, “It is a matter of principle. It is a matter of serious concern. We are considering all of our options.“

The situation has also taken on a legal dimension, as Herridge may face contempt of court charges for refusing to reveal the source behind her 2017 investigative report during her tenure at Fox News, potentially resulting in her being personally liable for daily fines up to $5,000. This has further intensified the First Amendment controversy surrounding her case.