Anderson Cooper is stepping down as a correspondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes, concluding a remarkable near-two-decade tenure with the prestigious newsmagazine. Over the years, Cooper has delivered impactful stories, balancing his responsibilities at both CBS and CNN under an agreement between the two networks. However, sources indicate that Cooper has chosen not to renew his commitment to 60 Minutes in order to prioritize spending time with his young children.
In a heartfelt statement, Cooper expressed, “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. 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.” His departure marks the end of an era, as he has been a prominent figure on the program since the 2006-2007 season.
His last segment aired on Sunday and focused on renowned documentarian Ken Burns, a fitting farewell to a role that has brought him numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards for stories that resonated widely, such as profiles and music-related pieces highlighting extraordinary talents and poignant themes.
On the CNN front, Cooper signed a new contract late last year, reaffirming his position in the network as a versatile host for various programs, including the Sunday newsmagazine The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, and his podcast and streaming series All There Is.
Cooper’s exit comes during a tumultuous period for CBS News, particularly regarding its news division’s challenges amid Paramount Global’s sale efforts to Skydance last year, which have involved legal disputes and internal resignations. Notably, Donald Trump sued 60 Minutes over edits made to an interview, leading to a settlement with Paramount worth $16 million. Such incidents have spotlighted broader corporate dynamics impacting journalistic integrity within the network.
Cooper leaves a distinguished legacy, having contributed extensively to the narrative landscape of 60 Minutes, reminding audiences of the crucial role investigative journalism plays in society. As he turns his focus towards family, fans of Cooper can look forward to his continued presence on CNN, ensuring that his voice remains vital in the news landscape.