Anderson Cooper Announces Departure from 60 Minutes After Nearly 20 Years
In a significant development for American broadcast journalism, Anderson Cooper has confirmed his exit from the CBS News program 60 Minutes after nearly two decades as a correspondent. The announcement, made on Monday, comes during a period of considerable upheaval at the network, which is undergoing a major shake-up under the leadership of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Cooper Cites Family Commitments as Primary Reason for Leaving
In an official statement, Cooper expressed deep gratitude for his tenure on the iconic news magazine. "Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career," he said. "I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business." He further explained that his decision is driven by personal priorities, noting, "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."
Editorial Independence Under Scrutiny at CBS News
The departure occurs against a backdrop of growing concerns over the editorial independence of CBS News and its flagship program, 60 Minutes. These doubts have intensified since David Ellison, the network's new owner, appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. Weiss, an opinion writer and editor with no prior experience in broadcast television, has already made controversial editorial decisions.
In December, Weiss ordered 60 Minutes to hold a report on the Cecot prison in El Salvador, where the Trump administration had sent immigrants from Venezuela to be jailed without due process. She argued the report lacked the perspective of the Trump administration, which had declined requests for comment, raising questions about journalistic integrity and political influence.
Cooper's Legacy and Recent Work on 60 Minutes
Anderson Cooper has been a correspondent for 60 Minutes through a deal between CBS and CNN since the 2006-2007 season, while also hosting his own show on CNN. His recent contributions to the program have included impactful reports on:
- So-called Covid-19 long-haulers, highlighting the ongoing struggles of individuals with prolonged symptoms.
- A wreck discovered near Mobile, Alabama, believed to be the last slave ship to have landed in the United States, shedding light on historical injustices.
Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and has built a distinguished career covering major events such as the Iraq war, Hurricane Katrina, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, earning a reputation for thorough and empathetic journalism.
Broader Implications for the Television News Industry
Cooper's exit is part of a wider staffing shake-up at CBS News, reflecting broader trends in the US television industry. The move underscores the challenges faced by traditional news outlets in maintaining editorial standards amid ownership changes and leadership transitions. Lachlan Cartwright's Breaker newsletter first reported Cooper's impending departure, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of network dynamics.
As CBS News navigates this period of transformation under Bari Weiss, the departure of a high-profile figure like Anderson Cooper signals potential shifts in the network's journalistic direction and its commitment to investigative reporting.
