[
Opinion
Veteran journalist Katherine Herridge, formerly of Fox News and CBS News, has been found guilty of civil contempt by a federal judge for refusing to disclose her source for a series of stories published in 2017.
Herridge found herself in trouble in connection with a court case in which she was protecting the identity of a source used for a report she wrote that year about a Chinese American scientist who was investigated by the FBI but Was never accused of wrongdoing.
The case has significant First Amendment implications.
If Herridge refused to be interviewed under oath for the case, he was facing fines of up to $5,000 per day, a situation critics have interpreted as an attack on free press principles.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper imposed a fine of $800 per day until Herridge complied, which could total nearly $300,000 if he served a full year.
No fine will be imposed while appealing.
RELATED: CBS seizes material from fired reporter investigating Hunter Biden
Herries is protecting its source
The judge's decision to hold Herridge in contempt for refusing to reveal his sources sets a dangerous precedent that could have chilling effects on investigative journalism.
This sends a message to potential sources that they cannot trust journalists to protect their identities, resulting in fewer people coming forward with important information.
Judge Cooper said in his decision that he recognized “the paramount importance of a free press in our society” and the important role of confidential sources in investigative journalism, but he added that the court “also has its role in upholding the law” and To protect judicial authority.”
Cooper was nominated by then-President Barack Obama in 2013 for his role on the bench. He was confirmed unanimously in the Senate the following year.
RELATED: CBS News chief behind firing Katherine Herridge amid scrutiny of Biden family to receive free speech award
cooling effect
Forcing journalists to reveal their sources undermines the public's right to information and could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism. It is important for journalists to be able to protect their sources to ensure that the public is well informed and that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
Legal Insurrection's Mary Chastain writes, “Herridge has long been a respected investigative reporter at Fox News and CBS News.” “He has always faced the wrath of the left for highlighting anything negative about the Democrats.”
Fox News issued a statement condemning the judge's decision to hold Herridge in contempt.
“Insulting a journalist for protecting a confidential source has a deep impact on journalism,” he said.
Even CBS News, which fired Katherine Herridge in the middle of this First Amendment fight and then temporarily seized her files, criticized the Obama-appointed judge.
A spokesperson for the network said the contempt order “should be concerning to all Americans who value the role of a free press in our democracy and understand that reliance on confidential sources is vital to the mission of journalism.”
President Barack Obama himself has a history of silencing free speech and going after journalists.
The previous president used his Division of Justice (DOJ) to attempt to shut down Fox Information reporter James Rosen by spying on him and accusing him of crimes.
A 2010 subpoena authorised by Eric Holder included Rosen as a possible co-conspirator underneath the Espionage Act of 1917. Thus, investigators gained entry to his cellphone name occasions and two days of Rosen's emails.
The DOJ additionally gravely attacked the First Modification and freedom of the press by seizing the data of Fox Information and Related Press (AP) journalists.
The cellphone data of AP journalists – 20 of them – have been subpoenaed via their suppliers in what they claimed on the time was a “huge and unprecedented intrusion” into their news-gathering operations.
Think about if the decide on this case have been a Trump-appointed decide and as an alternative of Herries, the reporter attempting to guard his sources was Jim Acosta or Don Lemon. Will there be anger at the moment?
Now could be the time to assist and share sources you belief.
The Political Insider is ranked #3 on Feedspot's “100 Finest Political Blogs & Web sites”.
