Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper has decided to step down from his role as a correspondent on CBS News' "60 Minutes" after the conclusion of the current season in May. Cooper's departure marks the end of an association with the show that dates back to 2006. The decision, as he stated on Monday, is driven by his commitment to spend more time with his young family.
Cooper expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work at "60 Minutes," saying, “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 crew in the business.” He mentioned the challenge of balancing his roles at CNN and CBS, but emphasized his desire to be present for his children during their formative years.
The news of Cooper's exit comes amidst a time of upheaval at "60 Minutes." Bari Weiss's tenure as CBS News editor-in-chief, starting last fall, has been marked by internal disagreements and external scrutiny. In December, a controversial decision was made to delay a segment on the Trump administration's immigration policy, which was later attributed to needing further input from administration officials.
President Donald Trump, who is the sitting President of the United States, was involved in legal action against "60 Minutes," concerning the handling of an interview with the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The lawsuit was settled out of court, a move that reportedly caused unrest within the newsroom.
Throughout his career, Cooper has been one of the rare journalists to maintain high-profile positions in both cable and broadcast television, anchoring CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" since 2003. His spokesperson declined to comment further on his departure, and it remains unclear how many more appearances Cooper will make on "60 Minutes" before the season ends.
CBS publicly acknowledged Cooper's contributions and the network's understanding of his decision. “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,” CBS stated. They also left the door open for his potential return, saying, "’60 Minutes’ will be here if he ever wants to return."
Throughout his nearly two-decade tenure, Cooper has been recognized for his journalistic integrity and ability to cover a broad range of stories with depth and professionalism. His departure signifies not only a personal decision to prioritize family but also underscores the changes within the media landscape as it adapts to evolving newsroom dynamics and the personal lives of its journalists.
