Catherine Herridge accused CBS News of thwarting her investigation into Hunter Biden’s laptop before the 2020 election, raising critical questions about media integrity.
At a Glance
- CBS News allegedly suppressed Herridge’s findings on Hunter Biden’s laptop.
- Herridge presented evidence of a Chinese firm’s retainer linked to Hunter Biden to CBS executives.
- “60 Minutes” later suggested the laptop’s contents were unverifiable.
- Herridge’s report aired two years later, confirming the laptop’s authenticity.
- CBS fired Herridge amid organizational changes.
Suppression of Hunter Biden Story
CBS News allegedly suppressed Catherine Herridge’s investigative reporting on Hunter Biden’s laptop before the 2020 election. The laptop contained financial data indicating a connection between Biden and a Chinese energy firm. Herridge provided evidence to CBS executives, but her findings were not aired. Her report only surfaced after the 2022 midterms, by which time the network confirmed the authenticity of the materials she gathered.
CBS opted not to broadcast Herridge’s investigative work, choosing instead for “60 Minutes” to air a segment questioning the veracity of the laptop’s contents. Herridge expressed dismay, feeling certain the records were verifiable. This led to broader questions about credibility and whether media outlets selectively present news.
Fired CBS reporter Catherine Herridge reveals how network killed Hunter Biden story: ‘I felt sick’ https://t.co/aU8R60uqHm pic.twitter.com/5c8Cb3qDWa
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2024
Internal Dynamics at CBS
Herridge’s report contradicted the narrative CBS preferred, emphasizing a lack of cooperation between its news divisions to validate her evidence. In her final days at CBS, she experienced both dismissal and frustration over collaborative difficulties. The investigative unit was not tasked to validate her findings, highlighting unexpected editorial decisions.
“CBS News went to great lengths to squash correspondent Catherine Herridge’s reporting about the Hunter Biden laptop just weeks before the 2020 election, the award-winning investigative journalist claimed.” – Catherine Herridge
The media broadcaster did not utilize resources available to pursue the implications of Hunter Biden’s laptop story, which Herridge deemed unusual. Her termination came amid wider company cuts, during which her reporting materials were seized but subsequently returned.
Former Twitter executives told Congress they were wrong to suppress a New York Post story on Hunter Biden’s laptop ahead of the 2020 election, but denied they were pressured to block it, as @JamesComer makes official request for Hunter, James Biden records.pic.twitter.com/S0Vs3K5NOt
— Catherine Herridge (@C__Herridge) February 9, 2023
CBS Leadership and Consequences
Accusations surfaced that CBS executive Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews showed bias in leadership decisions, reportedly sidelining certain journalists and blocking Herridge’s story. Ciprian-Matthews recently announced she would leave her role after the 2024 election. The timing underscores enduring controversies within the media regarding favoritism and impartiality in reporting.
“I knew the laptop records could be vetted and confirmed.” – Catherine Herridge
Herridge’s allegations highlight the critical role of media in informing the public and the unsettling impact if reporting is suppressed for strategic reasons. The delay in airing her findings has called into question how important stories unfold in the mainstream media and whether transparency can be trusted.
