After nearly two decades balancing a prominent role at 60 Minutes
with his duties at CNN, Anderson Cooper is stepping down from the CBS newsmagazine. The announcement, made on , signals a shift for both Cooper and CBS News, which is undergoing changes under new leadership.
Cooper, who joined 60 Minutes
in 2007 through a unique arrangement between CBS News and CNN, cited a desire to spend more time with his young children as the primary reason for his departure. 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 said in a statement. His final appearance on the program was during the Last Minute
segment of the episode.
The move comes amidst a period of significant transition at CBS News. In October, Bari Weiss was appointed editor-in-chief following Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of The Free Press. Weiss unveiled her strategy in January, outlining plans to add 19 new contributors and adopt a streaming mentality
to revitalize the network, which has been struggling to maintain viewership in the face of competition from ABC and NBC, and the rise of digital platforms. The network is also anticipating broader layoffs in the coming months as it seeks to invest more heavily in digital operations.
Cooper’s departure is the latest in a series of staffing changes at CBS News since Weiss’s arrival. While the full extent of Weiss’s planned overhaul remains to be seen, Cooper’s exit underscores the challenges facing traditional broadcast news organizations as they navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape. His ability to successfully maintain a high profile at both CNN and CBS for so long was, in itself, a notable achievement in an industry often characterized by exclusivity.
CBS News expressed gratitude for Cooper’s contributions over the years, emphasizing the door remains open for a potential return. For more than two decades, Anderson Cooper has taken 60 Minutes viewers on journeys to faraway places, told us unforgettable stories, reported consequential investigations and interviewed many prominent figures,
the network said in a statement. We’re grateful to him for dedicating so much of his life to this broadcast, and understand the importance of spending more time with family. 60 Minutes will be here if he ever wants to return.
Cooper’s work on 60 Minutes
earned him multiple Emmy awards and nominations. He continues to anchor Anderson Cooper 360°
on CNN, a role he has held since December 2001. The dual role allowed him to maintain a significant presence across both cable and broadcast news, establishing him as one of the most recognizable faces in American journalism.
The timing of Cooper’s announcement is particularly noteworthy given the broader context of upheaval within CBS News. Weiss’s appointment and subsequent strategic shifts have already generated controversy, particularly regarding her lack of prior experience in broadcast news. Her efforts to reshape the network’s programming and staffing are being closely watched by industry observers, and Cooper’s departure adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
While Cooper’s decision is framed as a personal one, driven by a desire to prioritize family time, it also reflects a broader trend of journalists reassessing their priorities in a demanding and rapidly changing industry. The pressures of maintaining a high-profile career while balancing personal commitments are increasingly acute, and Cooper’s choice to step back from 60 Minutes
may resonate with others facing similar dilemmas.
The impact of Cooper’s departure on 60 Minutes
remains to be seen. The program, in its 58th season, has long been a cornerstone of CBS News, known for its in-depth reporting and high journalistic standards. Weiss’s plans for the show are expected to involve significant changes, and Cooper’s exit creates an opportunity to further reshape the program’s identity and direction. The network has not yet announced any plans for a replacement.
Cooper’s legacy at 60 Minutes
is one of compelling storytelling and impactful journalism. His departure marks the end of an era for the program and for CBS News, as the network navigates a period of significant change and uncertainty. His decision to prioritize family underscores the evolving priorities of a generation of journalists seeking a better work-life balance.
