Anderson Cooper is leaving the US incarnation of 60 Minutes after nearly twenty years.
This move ends a significant cross-network partnership between CNN and CBS. It also highlights the ongoing changes at CBS News under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Cooper confirmed his departure through a statement, which was first reported by Breaker Media. He cited family priorities after years of managing roles at competing networks.
“Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been a great honour. I told amazing stories and worked with the best crews in the business,” Cooper said.
“For nearly two decades, I balanced my jobs at CNN and CBS. I have little kids now and want to spend time with them while they are young.”
His exit concludes a chapter that started in the 2006–2007 season.
At that time, CBS and CNN created a rare agreement. It allowed the anchor to report for the flagship investigative program while hosting his nightly CNN show.
Over the years, Cooper delivered major investigative stories. His career has covered defining global events such as the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina.
Cooper’s departure also comes as CBS News undergoes a profound editorial shift.
Bari Weiss. Source: bariweiss.com
A new editorial era
The network’s direction has faced scrutiny since Paramount acquired Weiss’s digital outlet, The Free Press. Paramount installed her as editor-in-chief in October 2025.
Weiss is known as an opinion journalist. She has introduced a “21st century” editorial vision. Her appointment changed the direction of CBS News, raising questions about editorial independence and newsroom culture.
Tensions first surfaced in December.
It all began when Weiss ordered 60 Minutes to hold a report on Cecot prison in El Salvador. The segment focused on Venezuelan immigrants detained without due process. Weiss argued the report lacked enough input from the Trump administration after officials declined to comment.
The move frustrated staff and soon became a point of contention over editorial oversight and ideological balance.
Producer resignation exposes internal unease
Internal strain seeped through into the public arena this week, when producer Alicia Hastey resigned and criticised the network’s direction in a farewell note.
“There is a new vision prioritising a break from traditional norms to embrace ‘heterodox’ journalism,” Hastey wrote.
“The commitment to stories is becoming difficult. Stories may be evaluated on whether they conform to ideological expectations. This pressures reporters to avoid narratives that might trigger backlash.”
She added that her comments do not ignore the talent of CBS News journalists. She warned that the excellence they seek is hindered by uncertainty.
Anderson Cooper. Source: 60 Minutes
A symbolic departure at a pivotal moment
Cooper framed his decision as personal, citing his family. However, his exit carries weight as CBS News redefines itself.
The acquisition of The Free Press and the appointment of Weiss reflect a network in transition, with the organisation seeking to balance modernisation and journalistic credibility.