by Abigail Isaacson in Politics

Former CBS News investigative journalist Catherine Herridge has released photos of confidential files seized by the network last year, reigniting controversy surrounding the network's handling of her reporting. The files, which included sensitive information on Hunter Biden and the origins of COVID-19, were returned after a year-long battle involving a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing and intervention from SAG-AFTRA. Herridge described the network's actions as a "journalistic rape" and an attack on investigative journalism. The incident highlights concerns about media bias and editorial decisions at CBS News, particularly regarding Herridge's reporting on Hunter Biden's laptop, which was not aired before the 2020 election despite her efforts. The network's delayed coverage and subsequent editing of an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on "60 Minutes", which led to a $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump, further fuels accusations of bias. Herridge's case underscores broader concerns about the protection of journalists and their sources.