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Anderson Cooper Exits CBS's 60 Minutes After 20 Years to Focus on Family

Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is leaving his correspondent role at CBS's "60 Minutes" after nearly two decades. He stated his decision is driven by a desire to spend more time with his young children, though he will continue his primary role at CNN. CBS News thanked him for his impactful reporting and investigations over the years and indicated the door remains open for a future return. His departure occurs amid broader editorial and leadership changes at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.

Key Points: Anderson Cooper Leaves 60 Minutes After Two Decades

  • Stepping down after nearly 20 years
  • Wants more time with young children
  • Will continue role at CNN
  • CBS leaves door open for return
  • Part of broader CBS News changes
2 min read

Anderson Cooper to leave CBS's '60 Minutes' after 2 decades

Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper steps down from CBS's 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years, citing a desire to spend more time with his young children.

"I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me. - Anderson Cooper"

New York, February 17

Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is stepping down from CBS's flagship newsmagazine 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years as a correspondent, according to The Washington Post.

Cooper (58) joined the program in 2006 under an agreement with CNN, where he has worked since 2001 and has hosted "Anderson Cooper 360°" since 2003. Through a CNN spokesperson, Cooper said he chose not to renew his contract with CBS and intends to spend more time with his young children.

"Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career," Cooper wrote in a statement. "I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. 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 still want to spend time with me."

CBS News, in a statement cited by The Washington Post, thanked Cooper for his contributions, saying he had taken viewers to faraway places, delivered impactful investigations and interviewed prominent figures over more than two decades. The network added that it understood his desire to focus on family and said the door would remain open for his return.

In recent years, Cooper's reporting for "60 Minutes" has included coverage of the prediction market Polymarket, in-depth coverage of families affected by school shootings, and a profile of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic.

Cooper's departure comes amid broader changes at CBS News. The newsroom is now led by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, founder of the Free Press, following corporate shifts involving Paramount Global and Skydance Media. According to the Post, CBS News has undergone layoffs and editorial changes as new leadership seeks to reshape the network's strategy.

Cooper, the son of Gloria Vanderbilt and Wyatt Emory Cooper, began his career as a correspondent for the school television network Channel One News before joining ABC News. During that time, he also hosted the first two seasons of ABC's reality show "The Mole." He moved to CNN in 2001 as a weekend anchor before launching his own show in 2003, according to the Washington Post.

The decision to leave marks the end of a chapter for one of television's most recognisable journalists, who has balanced high-profile roles at both CNN and CBS throughout his career, the Washington Post reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
End of an era. His reporting was always sharp. I remember his coverage of the 26/11 attacks from years ago—it was very impactful. Hope the new leadership at CBS doesn't dilute the quality of 60 Minutes.
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Arjun K
Honestly, while I respect his choice, it's a bit of a loss for journalism. He brought a certain credibility. The media landscape is changing so fast, and experienced voices like his are needed more than ever.
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Sarah B
Good for him! The grind of two major networks must be insane. Maybe this is a sign for all of us to re-evaluate our work-life balance, even if we aren't famous journalists.
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Vikram M
His reporting on global issues was always top-notch. I wonder if Indian news channels will ever have journalists of this calibre who can command such respect internationally. Our prime-time debates could learn a thing or two about substance from 60 Minutes.
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Kavya N
Change is the only constant. With Bari Weiss taking over, the editorial direction might shift significantly. Cooper leaving now makes sense. Excited to see what he does next, maybe more long-form documentaries?

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