Sharyl Attkisson: From CBS Star to Obama Administration Adversary
A Journalist's Controversial Transition
Sharyl Attkisson's career trajectory has been marked by controversy and confrontation. As a former investigative reporter for CBS News, Attkisson gained recognition for her hard-hitting journalism. However, her relationship with the network soured as she pursued stories critical of the Obama administration.
Attkisson claims she became a target of illegal surveillance by the Obama administration due to her reporting on sensitive topics. These included the Fast and Furious gun-walking scandal and the Benghazi attack. Though her allegations of government spying have not been proven in court, they've fueled ongoing debates about press freedom and government overreach.
Since leaving CBS in 2014, Attkisson has continued to position herself as a watchdog against government corruption. She now hosts her own show, "Full Measure," and has written books detailing her experiences and allegations against the Obama administration. Her story highlights the complex dynamics between investigative journalism and political power in the modern media landscape.
Career at CBS News
Sharyl Attkisson established herself as a prominent investigative correspondent during her two-decade tenure at CBS News. Her work garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, but ultimately led to tensions with network executives.
Investigative Reporting and Recognition
Attkisson joined CBS News in 1993, quickly rising through the ranks to become an investigative correspondent. She covered a wide range of high-profile stories, including the Fast and Furious gun-walking scandal and the Benghazi attack. Her reporting earned her five Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting.
Attkisson's hard-hitting style and pursuit of controversial stories made her a respected figure in journalism. She developed a reputation for tackling politically sensitive topics, often challenging government officials and powerful institutions.
Transition from CBS
In March 2014, Attkisson resigned from CBS News after 21 years with the network. She cited frustrations with what she perceived as the network's lack of support for her investigative work, particularly on stories critical of the Obama administration.
Attkisson's departure sparked debate within media circles. Some viewed it as a reflection of broader issues in network news, while others questioned her claims of editorial interference. After leaving CBS, Attkisson continued her career as an independent journalist and author, focusing on government accountability and media criticism.
Confrontation with the Obama Administration
Sharyl Attkisson's investigative reporting brought her into conflict with the Obama administration on several high-profile issues. Her coverage of controversial topics led to accusations of media suppression and alleged surveillance.
Benghazi Reporting
Attkisson's reporting on the 2012 Benghazi attack challenged the Obama administration's narrative. She questioned the initial claims that the attack stemmed from protests over an anti-Islamic video.
Her sources suggested the administration knew it was a premeditated terrorist attack within hours. Attkisson pursued leads on security lapses and the slow response to calls for help.
She faced pushback from CBS News executives, who she claimed were reluctant to air some of her Benghazi stories. This created tension between Attkisson and her employer.
Fast and Furious Investigation
Attkisson's coverage of the Fast and Furious gunwalking scandal put her at odds with the Justice Department. She reported on the operation that allowed firearms to be sold to Mexican drug cartels.
Her stories highlighted the link between these weapons and the death of U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. Attkisson accused the Obama administration of stonewalling her requests for information.
She claimed her computers were hacked during this investigation. Attkisson suspected government involvement, though this was never definitively proven.
IRS Scandal Coverage
In 2013, Attkisson reported on allegations that the IRS targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny. Her stories explored claims of political bias in the tax agency's handling of nonprofit applications.
She interviewed whistleblowers and obtained documents supporting the accusations. Attkisson's reporting contradicted initial statements from IRS officials who downplayed the extent of the targeting.
Her persistence on this story reportedly led to friction with CBS News management. Attkisson believed the network was hesitant to pursue angles critical of the administration.
Allegations of Government Surveillance
Sharyl Attkisson's claims of government surveillance on her electronic devices sparked controversy and legal action. The former CBS News investigative correspondent reported unusual activity on her computers and phones, leading to a forensic examination and a lawsuit against the Department of Justice.
Exposing Surveillance Tactics
Attkisson first noticed strange occurrences with her devices in 2011 while reporting on Operation Fast and Furious. Her computers would turn on and off unexpectedly, and files would disappear. A forensic computer analyst examined Attkisson's devices and found evidence of unauthorized intrusions.
The analyst discovered software used by government agencies had been installed on her computer without permission. This discovery raised concerns about potential surveillance of journalists by government entities.
Attkisson's allegations gained attention as they coincided with other reports of government surveillance during the Obama administration. Her case highlighted the broader issue of press freedom and the lengths to which some officials might go to monitor investigative journalists.
Lawsuit Against the Department of Justice
In 2014, Attkisson filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, including former Attorney General Eric Holder. She claimed that federal agents had illegally accessed her computers and other electronic devices.
The lawsuit faced numerous obstacles. Initially dismissed in 2017, Attkisson appealed the decision. In 2019, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard her case, focusing on whether the government had conducted unauthorized surveillance.
A significant development occurred when a clerk's order of default was entered against a former federal agent named in the lawsuit. This order suggested potential progress in Attkisson's legal battle to hold individuals accountable for the alleged spying.
Collisions with the Intelligence Community
Sharyl Attkisson's investigative reporting led to tense confrontations with intelligence agencies and raised concerns about press freedom. Her work uncovered controversial government operations and sparked debates about surveillance and transparency.
Sources and Leaks
Attkisson cultivated confidential sources within intelligence agencies to expose sensitive information. Her reporting on Operation Fast and Furious relied on whistleblowers who revealed details of the failed ATF gun-walking scheme.
She also covered Edward Snowden's NSA leaks, which exposed mass surveillance programs. This put her at odds with officials who sought to prevent unauthorized disclosures.
Attkisson claimed the Obama administration aggressively pursued leak investigations to deter her sources. She reported that her computer was hacked, potentially by government actors trying to identify her contacts.
Freedom of Press Controversy
Attkisson's allegations of government surveillance sparked a debate about press freedoms. She filed a lawsuit claiming the Justice Department and FBI illegally monitored her electronic devices.
The case highlighted tensions between national security and journalistic protections. Attkisson argued the alleged surveillance violated her First and Fourth Amendment rights.
Critics saw it as part of a pattern of the Obama administration's crackdown on leaks and aggressive stance toward the press. Supporters of the government maintained that classified information needed safeguarding.
The Battle for Transparency
Sharyl Attkisson's career took a dramatic turn as she focused on uncovering government secrets and advocating for individual privacy rights. Her efforts shed light on controversial government practices and sparked debates about the balance between national security and personal freedoms.
Challenging Government Secrecy
Attkisson gained prominence for her investigative reporting on Operation Fast and Furious, a failed sting operation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Her work exposed how the agency allowed weapons to be sold to Mexican drug cartels in an attempt to track them.
This reporting put Attkisson at odds with the Obama administration. She claimed to have faced obstacles in accessing information and alleged that her electronic devices were compromised. These experiences fueled her determination to challenge government secrecy.
Attkisson pursued legal action against the federal government, alleging unlawful surveillance. Her lawsuit aimed to uncover the extent of government monitoring and hold officials accountable for potential privacy violations.
Advocacy for Privacy Rights
Attkisson became a vocal advocate for strengthening privacy protections in the digital age. She raised concerns about the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and its implications for individual rights.
Her work highlighted potential abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and its impact on Fourth Amendment protections. Attkisson argued that these laws needed reform to safeguard citizens' privacy in an era of widespread electronic surveillance.
Through her reporting and public appearances, Attkisson sought to educate the public about their privacy rights. She emphasized the importance of transparency in government operations and the need for robust safeguards against overreach.
Attkisson's efforts contributed to broader discussions about balancing national security interests with civil liberties. Her advocacy work continues to influence debates on privacy and government accountability.
Continued Journalism and Legacy
Sharyl Attkisson's career evolved beyond her time at CBS News. She launched her own show and continued to shape investigative reporting practices in the modern media landscape.
Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson
In 2015, Attkisson debuted "Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson" on Sinclair Broadcast Group stations. The weekly program focuses on investigative and accountability reporting.
Attkisson serves as host and executive producer. The show covers a range of topics, including government waste, national security, and corporate misconduct.
"Full Measure" reaches millions of viewers across the United States. It airs on Sinclair-owned stations and streams online.
The program has tackled controversial subjects like immigration policy and pharmaceutical industry practices. Attkisson's reporting style emphasizes fact-finding and challenging official narratives.
Influence on Modern Journalism
Attkisson's approach has impacted how some journalists conduct investigative work. Her emphasis on government accountability resonates with reporters across the political spectrum.
She advocates for aggressive use of Freedom of Information Act requests. This tactic has been adopted by journalists at various outlets to uncover hidden information.
Attkisson's experiences have made her a vocal critic of perceived media bias. She argues that corporate and political influences compromise journalistic integrity.
Her views on media independence have found an audience among those skeptical of mainstream news sources. This perspective has influenced discussions about journalistic ethics and practices.
