Anderson Cooper Announces Departure from CBS's 60 Minutes
In a significant development for broadcast journalism, Anderson Cooper has confirmed he will not renew his contract with CBS's flagship news program 60 Minutes, ending his tenure as a correspondent at the conclusion of the current season. Cooper, who has balanced roles at both CBS and CNN since 2006, cited a desire to focus more on his family and his primary duties at CNN as key reasons for his decision.
A Career Highlight Comes to an End
In a statement released to Deadline, Cooper expressed deep gratitude for his time on the program, calling it "one of the great honors of my career." He praised the collaborative environment, noting he had the opportunity to work with "some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business." Cooper elaborated on his personal motivations, stating, "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."
Tumultuous Times at 60 Minutes
Cooper's departure coincides with a period of intense controversy for 60 Minutes, which has been embroiled in allegations of editorial interference. Last month, reports surfaced that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss had intervened in a segment produced by Cooper that was critical of former President Donald Trump's policies. The segment reportedly focused on the Trump administration's plan to accept South African refugees, a topic linked to Trump's repeated promotion of a debunked conspiracy theory about genocide against white people in South Africa.
According to sources, the unaired segment underwent "extensive editorial feedback" from Weiss in December, with suggestions that it was "all but guaranteed to provoke Trump" and faced an "abnormal" level of review. However, a source close to CBS News has denied these claims, insisting the story remains in active development under executive producer Tanya Simon's guidance. "Bari Weiss did not hold the story," the source stated, emphasizing that it is still in the reporting stages.
Broader Editorial Concerns and Staff Backlash
This incident is not isolated. In December, another 60 Minutes report critical of Trump was pulled from broadcast, sparking internal backlash. That segment, produced by reporter Sharyn Alfonsi, investigated the mistreatment of migrants sent by the United States to CECOT, a prison in El Salvador. Weiss justified the decision in an email to staff, arguing it was necessary to "win back" public trust, but Alfonsi countered in a leaked email, alleging "corporate censorship" as the real motive.
The controversies have led to significant unrest within CBS News, with sources describing the situation as a "holy f***ing dumpster fire" and staff reportedly ready to "revolt" over the perceived editorial overreach. Weiss, appointed editor-in-chief in October 2025, has faced scrutiny over her leadership and the network's editorial independence during this turbulent period.
Looking Ahead
As Cooper prepares to exit, the future of 60 Minutes remains uncertain amid these ongoing disputes. The Independent has reached out to both Cooper and CBS for further comment, but responses are pending. Cooper's departure marks the end of an era for the veteran journalist on the program, while the show grapples with challenges that threaten its reputation and internal cohesion.
