Anderson Cooper announced on Monday that he will leave the CBS News program 60 Minutes after almost 20 years. His departure is the latest change at the long-running investigative show, which has seen several staffing shifts amid wider newsroom changes at CBS News.
These changes have taken place under the leadership of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, whose appointment has sparked debate inside the newsroom.
Who Is Anderson Hays Cooper?
Anderson Hays Cooper is an American broadcast journalist and political commentator. Born on June 3, 1967, he anchors CNN’s flagship program Anderson Cooper 360°.
Alongside his work at CNN, Cooper served as a 60 Minutes correspondent for nearly two decades under a special agreement between CNN and CBS that began in the 2006–2007 television season.
Anderson Cooper Calls 60 Minutes One of the Greatest Honors of His Career
In a statement, Cooper said his time at 60 Minutes was deeply meaningful to him. “Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business,” he said.
He explained that the decision to leave was a personal one. Cooper said that for nearly 20 years, he successfully managed to work for both CNN and CBS. However, his priorities have now changed because of his family.
“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.”
What is Behind Anderson Cooper’s Exit From 60 Minutes?
In a statement, Cooper said he wants to spend more time with his young children. After nearly 20 years of balancing his roles at CBS and CNN, he explained that family has now become his top priority. He described working at 60 Minutes as “one of the great honors” of his career and made it clear that his departure was not driven by dissatisfaction with the program itself.
However, Cooper’s exit also comes during a period of turmoil at CBS News. Questions have been raised about editorial independence since the network’s new owner, David Ellison, appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. Weiss, an opinion writer with no prior broadcast television experience, has overseen newsroom changes that have unsettled staff.
Editorial Independence at CBS News Under Scrutiny
Questions have been raised about the editorial independence of CBS News and 60 Minutes since the network’s new owner, David Ellison, appointed Weiss as editor-in-chief. Weiss is known as an opinion writer and editor but has no previous experience in broadcast television.
Concerns grew in December when Weiss reportedly ordered 60 Minutes to delay a report on the Cecot prison in El Salvador. The prison houses immigrants sent by the Trump administration from Venezuela without due process. Weiss argued the report lacked the perspective of the Trump administration, which had declined to comment.
Anderson Hays Cooper Notable Reporting at 60 Minutes and CNN
During his time at 60 Minutes, Cooper reported on a wide range of major stories. His recent work included reports on Covid-19 long-haulers and the discovery of a shipwreck near Mobile, Alabama, believed to be the last slave ship to arrive in the United States.
Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and has covered several historic events, including the Iraq war, Hurricane Katrina, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. News of Cooper’s departure from 60 Minutes was first reported by journalist Lachlan Cartwright in his Breaker newsletter, before being confirmed publicly.
