Anderson Cooper Departs 60 Minutes After Nearly Two Decades at CBS News
Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper has announced his departure from the iconic CBS News program 60 Minutes after nearly twenty years of service. The decision comes amidst significant editorial turmoil and staffing changes at the network under the new leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Cooper Cites Family Priorities in Departure Statement
In a statement released on Monday, Cooper expressed deep gratitude for his tenure on the fabled news magazine. "Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career," Cooper said. "I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business."
The journalist explained that his decision stems from personal priorities, noting that balancing his roles at CNN and CBS has become increasingly challenging. "For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me," Cooper stated.
Editorial Independence Concerns Under New Leadership
The departure occurs during a period of uncertainty regarding the editorial independence of CBS News and its flagship investigative program. Since network owner David Ellison appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief—a writer and editor with no prior broadcast television experience—questions have emerged about the direction of news coverage.
In December, Weiss ordered 60 Minutes to hold a report on the Cecot prison in El Salvador, where the Trump administration had sent Venezuelan immigrants to be jailed without due process. Weiss argued the report lacked perspective from the Trump administration, which had declined comment requests.
Cooper's Distinguished Career and Recent Work
Cooper has served as a 60 Minutes correspondent through a unique arrangement between CBS and CNN since the 2006-2007 season, while simultaneously hosting his own program on CNN. His recent contributions to the CBS program included:
- Investigative reports on COVID-19 long-haulers
- Documentation of a wreck near Mobile, Alabama, believed to be the last slave ship to land in the United States
Throughout his career, Cooper has covered major events including the Iraq war, Hurricane Katrina, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, establishing himself as one of television journalism's most recognizable figures.
Broader Implications for CBS News
Cooper's exit represents the latest in a series of staffing changes at CBS News as the network undergoes restructuring under Weiss's leadership. The departure of such a high-profile correspondent raises questions about the future direction of 60 Minutes and its ability to maintain its reputation for hard-hitting investigative journalism.
News of Cooper's impending departure was first reported by Lachlan Cartwright's Breaker newsletter, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of personnel moves within the television news industry.
