For nearly two decades, Anderson Cooper graced the screens of 60 Minutes, delivering impactful investigative reports. Now, the celebrated journalist is stepping down, concluding a rare dual-network career that captivated audiences for years.
Cooper’s decision wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction, but by a profound shift in priorities. The demands of balancing a rigorous role at 60 Minutes with his anchoring duties at CNN, coupled with the joys of a growing family, ultimately proved unsustainable.
“Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career,” Cooper stated, reflecting on the remarkable stories he’s told and the exceptional team he’s collaborated with. He emphasized a desire to dedicate more time to his young children, cherishing the fleeting years when they actively seek his company.
Cooper’s simultaneous presence on both CNN and CBS was a notable achievement in broadcast journalism, a testament to his dedication and talent. He joined 60 Minutes in 2007, seamlessly integrating the role with his established position hosting Anderson Cooper 360°.
The departure arrives amidst significant changes at 60 Minutes, following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief last October. Weiss has initiated a period of restructuring, marked by layoffs and a strategic shift toward a more politically centrist approach.
Internal friction recently surfaced when Weiss requested commentary from a White House official for a segment detailing harrowing conditions within El Salvador’s CECOT megaprison. The report, exposing allegations of torture and abuse, ultimately aired with minimal alterations despite the directive.
The segment bravely presented inmates’ firsthand accounts of brutal treatment inside CECOT, one of El Salvador’s most notorious prisons. Despite the internal pressure, the core narrative of the report – detailing the alleged suffering – remained intact.
While Cooper exits 60 Minutes, he remains firmly committed to CNN, continuing his role as a leading voice in news and current affairs. His legacy at 60 Minutes, however, will endure as a period of compelling storytelling and journalistic integrity.
