A seasoned CBS journalist's departure from the network has unveiled new details about the media's coverage of a controversial laptop story involving Hunter Biden.
According to the Daily Mail, Catherine Herridge revealed in her newsletter how CBS News allegedly downplayed her investigative findings regarding Hunter Biden's laptop in October 2020.
The veteran reporter described the broadcaster's handling of the story as a "missed opportunity" that failed to properly convey significant information to the public.
Herridge's investigation uncovered documents detailing a million-dollar retainer from a Chinese energy firm and business-related texts and emails belonging to Hunter Biden. She had been specifically tasked by CBS News executive Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews to conduct verified reporting for Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell.
The reporter's revelations paint a picture of internal disconnect at CBS News. Despite Herridge's thorough vetting of the laptop's contents, including cross-referencing court records and reaching out to individuals mentioned in Hunter Biden's emails, the network appeared hesitant to pursue the story further.
Herridge wrote in her newsletter about her communication with CBS executives. She states she provided vetted materials directly to Ciprian-Matthews and confirmed the Hunter Biden connection when specifically asked about it.
The investigative unit, contrary to standard practice, was not assigned to develop additional reporting on the laptop in October 2020, according to Herridge's account.
A particularly contentious moment arose during a 60 Minutes interview with then-President Trump. Herridge recalled her distress when CBS correspondent Lesley Stahl told Trump the laptop "couldn't be verified."
The network's approach to the story showed what Herridge described as a disconnect between the CBS News division and 60 Minutes. It wasn't until November 2022, after the midterm elections, that CBS broadcast a forensic review of the laptop data.
The two-year gap between Herridge's initial investigation and the network's broadcast of a forensic review raises questions about editorial decision-making. During this period, Herridge continued to advocate for reporting on the laptop's contents.
The forensic review, which finally aired in November 2022, confirmed both the authenticity of the data and its connection to Hunter Biden. This verification came long after Herridge's initial findings in October 2020.
This revelation comes amid broader discussions about media coverage of high-profile political investigations. Recently, two IRS whistleblowers interviewed by Herridge claimed they were prevented from investigating Joe Biden during the government's probe into his son.
The story highlights ongoing debates about media responsibility and editorial decisions in covering politically sensitive topics. Herridge's account provides insight into the internal workings of major news organizations during crucial political moments. These revelations add to the growing discourse about media coverage of political investigations and the challenges journalists face when reporting on controversial stories.
