Anderson Cooper, a prominent journalist and correspondent for CBS's "60 Minutes" for the past two decades, announced on Monday his decision to leave the CBS broadcast to prioritize spending time with his family. Cooper, who also hosts a weeknight news program on CNN, stated that this choice comes at a significant moment of transition for him, as he aims to be more present for his young children.
Cooper’s departure is set against a backdrop of turmoil at "60 Minutes," a show where he has reported since the 2006-2007 television season through a unique job-sharing arrangement with CNN. Despite his announcement, Cooper is expected to finish the current broadcast season, which is scheduled to end in May 2024. He expressed his gratitude towards "60 Minutes," reflecting on how his role allowed him to cover remarkable stories while collaborating with exceptional producers, editors, and camera crews throughout his career.
The announcement of Cooper's exit raises questions regarding the potential influence of Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News since last fall, on his decision. Despite the speculation, Cooper’s spokesperson declined to comment further. CBS News acknowledged Cooper's contributions over two decades, valuing his dedication and understanding his need to focus on family commitments. The network indicated that "60 Minutes" would welcome Cooper back should he choose to return in the future.
Cooper's departure coincides with a period of uncertainty for "60 Minutes," notably when Weiss directed the show not to air a report from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi on the Trump administration's immigration policy last December. Reports indicate that Alfonsi felt the last-minute decision was politically motivated. The story was eventually aired a month later but featured additional administration comments without any on-camera interviews, which sparked concerns among "60 Minutes" staff.
Additionally, the show has been embroiled in legal controversies, such as when President Donald Trump sued "60 Minutes" following how they managed an interview with his 2024 election opponent, Kamala Harris. The incident led CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, to settle the case out-of-court, causing discontent among many within the broadcast.
Cooper's exit signals a significant change for "60 Minutes," a program recognized for its investigative journalism and critical reporting. Broadcasting under the pressure of political scrutiny and rating expectations, the decision to leave highlights the tensions that can arise within such prestigious media organizations.
The news of Cooper stepping back from CBS was initially reported by the online news site Breaker. As he transitions away from "60 Minutes," he leaves behind a legacy that has influenced the field of broadcast journalism over the past two decades.
