Despite the contentious dismissal of esteemed Washington correspondent Catherine Herridge, who has been caught in an intense First Amendment battle, CBS News chief Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews is slated to receive a free speech accolade next month.
Ciprian-Matthews, CBS News president, has been recognized by the Radio Television Digital News Association as one of 13 to be honored at the venerable First Amendment Awards hosted at The Watergate Hotel in the nation’s capital on March 9.
The selection has drawn internal criticism from CBS News staff who pointed out that Ciprian-Matthews had a hand in the departure of Herridge—an acclaimed investigative journalist currently facing a US District Court judge’s pressure to disclose her sources. Herridge’s refusal to comply with the disclosure demand concerning a 2017 article she wrote while at Fox News about a federal inquiry into a Chinese American scientist may result in contempt of court charges and daily fines as steep as $5,000.
Observers have expressed dismay at this decision by the RTDNA, claiming it undermines the essence of the First Amendment honor. “Awarding CBS News and Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews a First Amendment accolade by the RTDNA reflects a glaring oversight,” a veteran journalist remarked. Dan Shelley, president of the Foundation, defended the choice by pointing to Ciprian-Matthews’ adherence to ethical reporting during crucial times, praising her pivotal role amidst significant American news events as an upholder of journalistic integrity.
Amid these controversies, the parent company of CBS, Paramount, revealed plans for extensive company-wide layoffs, stating that financial pressures are necessitating approximately 800 job cuts, with CBS News expected to absorb about 20 of these.
Sources from CBS indicated that the decision to release Herridge from her role was taken by top officials within the Washington D.C. bureau. Company higher-ups, including Ciprian-Matthews, sanctioned this decision.
A CBS News spokesperson supported Ciprian-Matthews’ journalistic contributions, saying, “The organizational changes in no way undermine the journalistic excellence Ingrid is known for, celebrating her as a reputable and seasoned news executive committed to high-standard journalism.”
