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CBS News President Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews will receive a First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA).<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is our sacred duty to promote, protect and defend the First Amendment, which makes journalism the only vocation specifically protected in our Constitution,\u201d RTDNA Foundation President Dan Shelley said<\/a>. \u201cThe individuals represented in this group of recipients embody the spirit of such journalism. And, their work reminds us why it is so important to defend the First Amendment each and every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Cipri\u00e1n-Matthews was selected for the award due to her \u201ccommitment to excellent and ethical journalism, especially at a time when the stakes are so high. Her leadership during some of the most challenging news stories in American history is a testament to the power of journalism,\u201d RTDNA states on its award announcement.<\/p>\n The March 9 award ceremony comes just weeks after CBS News let go of former Fox News journalist Catherine Herridge and seized her files.<\/p>\n Media Research Center President Brent Bozell criticized the award on X, writing, \u201cCan\u2019t make this up. CBS News fires @CBS_Herridge, then steals her notes, and in disgrace is forced to return them.\u201d He noted, \u201cA week later, the president of @CBSNews who signed off on that theft receives an industry free speech award.\u201d<\/p>\n Can’t make this up. CBS News fires @CBS_Herridge<\/a>, then steals her notes, and in disgrace is forced to return them. <\/p>\n A week later, the president of @CBSNews<\/a> who signed off on that theft receives an industry free speech award. https:\/\/t.co\/km5O8sVVKd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Brent Bozell (@BrentBozell) February 28, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The seizure of Herridge\u2019s files was considered<\/a> \u201cunprecedented\u201d and \u201cextraordinary\u201d by those familiar with the situation.<\/p>\n\n