Anderson Cooper Declares ’60 Minutes’ Exit After 20 Years

Broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper has introduced he is leaving CBS Information’ iconic information journal program “60 Minutes” after practically 20 years as a correspondent.

The choice comes months after Bari Weiss was named the brand new editor-in-chief of CBS Information, a management change that marked a noticeable shift in editorial priorities.

On February 16, Cooper launched an announcement asserting his departure from “60 Minutes,” saying that being a correspondent for this system “has been one of many highlights” of his decades-long profession.

“I received to inform superb tales, and work with among the finest producers, editors, and digital camera crews within the enterprise,” he shared. Nonetheless, the 58-year-old now needs to deal with spending extra time together with his babies.

“For practically twenty years, I have been capable of steadiness my jobs at CNN and CBS, however I’ve little youngsters now, and I need to spend as a lot time with them as potential, whereas they need to spend time with me,” he defined.

In response to Selectionhe was reportedly in negotiations with CBS over a contract renewal however finally selected to step away.

CBS Information has launched a assertion about Cooper’s choice, thanking the veteran journalist for taking viewers on “journeys to faraway locations,” telling “unforgettable tales,” and reporting on “consequential investigations.”

Furthermore, the community is leaving the door open in case Cooper decides to come back again. “We’re grateful to him for dedicating a lot of his life to this broadcast, and perceive the significance of spending extra time with household. 60 Minutes shall be right here if he ever needs to return,” CBS famous.

“60 Minutes” debuted in 1968 as a bi-weekly present hosted by Harry Reasoner and Mike Wallace earlier than transitioning to a Sunday evening slot. Cooper joined the information journal present in 2006 in an settlement with CNN, with whom he had been working since 2001.

In October 2025, Bari Weiss was appointed the brand new editor-in-chief for CBS Information. The announcement got here after Paramount Skydance acquired The Free Press, a information media firm Weiss co-founded.

In January, Selection reported that CBS Information workers weren’t pleased with Weiss’ administration type, making last-minute modifications that have been exhausting. “It is a part of what fuels the frustration. We’re doing our d-mn jobs and doing them nicely,” the unnamed staffer stated. There are additionally studies that Weiss is contemplating extra layoffs at CBS Information, probably affecting as much as 15% workers.

Cooper has not publicly stated something in regards to the Weiss, however in line with a report from Standingher position as editor-in-chief could have one thing to do together with his exit from “60 Minutes.”

“He wasn’t comfy with the path the present was taking below Bari, and is able the place he does not need to put up with it,” the supply instructed the publication.

Cooper joined CNN in 2001 as an anchor. In 2003, he launched his personal present, “Anderson Cooper 360°,” a information program that focuses on investigative journalism and in-depth reporting. All through the years, Cooper has highlighted main world occasions, politics, in addition to human-interest tales.

The journalist could also be leaving CBS Information, however he’s staying with CNN. As beforehand reported by The Blast in December 2025, Cooper signed a take care of the community to deal with creating content material for a subscription service.