Anderson Cooper‘s leaving 60 Minutes marks the end of an era for the veteran journalist and the long-running CBS News programme.
After nearly two decades as a correspondent, Cooper has decided not to renew his agreement with CBS News. His final segment, a profile of documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, aired on Sunday.
In a personal statement, Cooper described the role as “one of the great honours” of his career. However, he explained that his decision was driven by family priorities. “I have little kids now, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible,” he said.
Cooper joined 60 Minutes during the 2006–2007 season. Over the years, he became one of the few journalists to hold prominent roles on both network and cable television, balancing his CBS work with his full-time position at CNN.
Why Anderson Cooper’s Leaving 60 Minutes Matters
The departure comes at a challenging time for CBS News. The programme has been affected by broader corporate and editorial tensions linked to Paramount Global’s sale to Skydance.
Last year, 60 Minutes faced legal controversy after Donald Trump sued the show over edits made to an interview with Kamala Harris. Although CBS News lawyers reportedly viewed the case as lacking merit, Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement to avoid regulatory complications.
Leadership changes followed. Executive producer Bill Owens resigned, and Wendy McMahon, head of the news division, later stepped down. Editorial disagreements also surfaced when a report on deportations to El Salvador was temporarily pulled after promotion, prompting internal criticism.
These developments have unfolded under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, whose leadership has reportedly generated debate within the newsroom.
Meanwhile, Cooper recently signed a new deal with CNN. He will continue hosting Anderson Cooper 360°, contributing to The Whole Story, and producing his podcast All There Is.
In a statement, CBS News thanked Cooper for his years of service, highlighting his investigations and interviews with prominent figures. The network added that 60 Minutes “will be here if he ever wants to return.”
For now, Cooper remains firmly anchored at CNN, while 60 Minutes continues to navigate a period of internal change. His exit removes one of the broadcast’s most recognisable correspondents during a time of transition for the historic news magazine.
