New York — Anderson Cooper is stepping down as a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes” after nearly 20 years of contributions to the acclaimed news program. His decision comes as he balances a growing family life with his commitments at CNN.
Cooper has been a prominent figure in media, reporting for “60 Minutes” while serving as CNN’s anchor. Their agreement allowed him to juggle both roles until he opted not to continue with the Sunday newsmagazine. In a recent statement, he expressed gratitude for his time with “60 Minutes,” highlighting the privilege of sharing impactful stories alongside skilled producers and crews. “I want to spend as much time with my kids as possible while they still want me around,” he noted, in light of his family’s needs.
Cooper’s departure has been anticipated amid significant changes in the CBS News division. His final segment, which focused on filmmaker Ken Burns, aired on a recent Sunday. He signed a new contract with CNN late last year, securing his role in both primetime and the Sunday program “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper,” as well as hosting a related podcast.
Since joining “60 Minutes” during the 2006-2007 season, Cooper has become known for his compelling storytelling, winning multiple Emmy Awards for segments that have delved into a variety of subjects, including a profile of jazz prodigy Joey Alexander and a piece on African prison inmates whose music received Grammy recognition.
Cooper’s exit coincides with a tumultuous period for CBS News, especially as “60 Minutes” faced scrutiny during Paramount Global’s sale negotiations with Skydance last year. Legal challenges arose when former President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the program over edits made to an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Although CBS’s legal team dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded, a significant settlement of $16 million was eventually reached to mitigate potential regulatory roadblocks amid ongoing negotiations.
Tensions within the network have recently surfaced regarding content decisions. A segment that was set to address the Trump administration’s deportation practices in El Salvador was unexpectedly withdrawn, sparking criticism from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi. She lamented the decision as a politically motivated move rather than an editorial one, indicating that corporate interference had taken precedence.
In response to internal conflicts, Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, justified the postponement, arguing that the segment required more thorough preparation and the inclusion of key officials for on-camera commentary. The story eventually aired with an updated introduction but without any Trump administration representatives.
Cooper now looks to focus on his family while continuing his work at CNN, leaving behind a legacy of impactful journalism that will be remembered within the ranks of “60 Minutes.”