Anderson Cooper delivered an emotional farewell to CBS's 60 Minutes on Sunday, emphasising the importance of editorial 'independence' in what many interpret as a veiled critique of network leadership under Bari Weiss.
Cooper, who departs after 20 years, told 60 Minutes Overtime: 'I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes.' He stressed that the programme's independence has been 'critical' and expressed hope its core values endure despite inevitable evolution.
Weiss, appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News in October 2025 after Paramount Skydance acquired her company The Free Press, has faced controversy. In December, she ordered the spiking of a segment on El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison, citing a need for 'additional reporting,' though journalist Sharyn Alfonsi defended its accuracy. The report aired with minor changes in January.
The show has also been accused of sidelining veteran anchor Lesley Stahl, with a recent high-profile interview with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu given to Major Garrett. Reports suggest Weiss plans to give more airtime to 'MAGA-coded' Tony Dokoupil, whose tenure on CBS Evening News has seen ratings lag amid accusations of being too 'Trump-friendly.'
Cooper, best known for his CNN role, said he is leaving to spend more time with his children. Reflecting on his childhood reverence for 60 Minutes legends like Mike Wallace and Ed Bradley, he described the programme as a place where 'you get to step into somebody else's shoes.'
Weiss has defended her leadership, arguing CBS News must adapt to rebuild public trust. In a memo to staff, she wrote: 'The majority of Americans say they do not trust the press; it isn’t because they’re crazy.'
