Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper has confirmed he will step down from his role as a correspondent on 60 Minutes after almost two decades.
Cooper, 58, will continue anchoring his long-running CNN programme Anderson Cooper 360°, which he has hosted since 2003.
In a statement following reports of his departure, Cooper described his time at 60 Minutes as “one of the highlights” of his career.
“I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business,” he said.
“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 want to spend time with me.”
Family First
Cooper reportedly renewed his contract with CNN last year but chose not to extend his agreement with CBS News.
His departure reflects a shift in priorities as he focuses more on family life. Cooper, who has been open about fatherhood in recent years, has often spoken about the importance of balancing career and parenting.
Turbulence at CBS News
Cooper’s exit comes during a period of significant change at CBS News.
Last October, the network’s parent company Paramount Skydance purchased The Free Press for $150 million.
Following the acquisition, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison appointed LGBTQ+ journalist Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News — despite her having no prior broadcast leadership experience. Weiss previously worked as an opinion writer at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times and is known for her conservative and gender-critical views.
The network has also experienced multiple rounds of lay-offs in recent months, with industry outlet Variety reporting that further job cuts may be on the horizon.
A Long Legacy in Broadcast Journalism
Cooper joined 60 Minutes in 2006, bringing his on-the-ground reporting style and global conflict coverage to the prestigious Sunday news magazine. Over nearly 20 years, he delivered in-depth investigations and international reporting while maintaining his nightly CNN anchor role.
While stepping away from CBS, Cooper remains one of the most recognisable figures in American broadcast journalism — and will continue fronting Anderson Cooper 360°.
