In early 2023, veteran journalist Catherine Herridge secured an exclusive interview with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The interview aimed to discuss Musk’s recent acquisition of Twitter (X) and the release of the “Twitter Files.” However, CBS News executives thwarted Herridge’s plans. They expressed concerns over Musk’s unpredictable nature and insisted on pre-recording and editing the interview. She shared this information in a November 26, 2024 video on X.
Herridge, who had been investigating the Hunter Biden laptop story for CBS, approached network executives for the opportunity to do a live interview with Musk.
She proposed broadcasting the interview live on X, aligning with Musk’s preference for unfiltered communication. “I went to the CBS executives and said, ‘This is the opportunity that we have.’ He’s saying, ‘I want to do it live and on my platform,'” Herridge recounted. “Elon Musk on CBS News! He’s one of the most influential human beings on the planet, and the reaction from the executives was, ‘Well, we can’t do it live.’”
The network’s leadership expressed apprehension about conducting a live interview with Musk, citing concerns over his potential remarks. Herridge found the decision confusing, as interviews typically benefit from being granted without restrictions on content. She questioned the rationale behind not allowing a live interview, noting that network executives expressed concern about the unpredictability of Musk’s statements. Frustrated, she reflected that the essence of journalism is uncovering the unexpected in interviews.
In addition to insisting on a taped and edited format, CBS executives objected to airing the interview on Musk’s platform X. Herridge explained that she proposed a plan to her superiors for the interview to be broadcast simultaneously on both X and CBS’s streaming platform, allowing both outlets to air it at the same time.
However, the idea was completely rejected. Feeling disheartened, she admitted she never followed up with Elon Musk. She also noted that CBS had imposed numerous conditions for the interview, which she believed Musk would likely not agree to.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of Herridge’s challenges at CBS. Her reporting on the Hunter Biden laptop scandal encountered internal obstacles, delaying its broadcast until after the 2022 midterm elections.
Herridge was among several employees laid off by CBS earlier this year amid network cuts. Following her departure, CBS retained her reporting materials, which were later returned after pressure from the union representing her.
Herridge now publishes investigative work through her newsletter, and on X. Her experience raises questions about editorial independence and the challenges journalists face when reporting on high-profile figures and sensitive topics. CBS News declined to comment on the matter.
