Key Highlights
- Anderson Cooper is set to exit ’60 Minutes’ after nearly two decades.
- CBS News and Paramount Skydance have been under scrutiny for management practices affecting the show’s credibility.
- Bari Weiss, CBS News editor in chief, has faced criticism over staff cuts and controversial report delays.
- Cooper’s exit marks a significant loss to ’60 Minutes’ as he balanced his roles at CNN and CBS.
The Departure of Anderson Cooper: A Blow to ’60 Minutes’
Anderson Cooper, the seasoned journalist known for his deep investigative reporting on ’60 Minutes,’ is stepping away after nearly two decades. This move comes amid a tumultuous period at CBS News, under the leadership of Bari Weiss.
The Longevity and Impact
You might think this is new, but… Anderson Cooper has been a mainstay on ’60 Minutes’ since 2005. His departure signals a significant shift for the venerable program. Cooper, known for his ability to delve into complex stories, will take with him a wealth of experience and a network that has promoted ’60 Minutes’ segments during his CNN shows.
Management Challenges
The decision is part of broader challenges at CBS News. Bari Weiss, installed as editor in chief last year after Paramount Skydance acquired her conservative opinion site for $150 million, has been under fire for various management practices. Notably, she delayed a ’60 Minutes’ report by Sharyn Alfonsi on the deportation of migrants, not because it contained errors but to secure an interview with a Trump administration official.
These incidents have contributed to a level of mistrust between Weiss and her staff. She has also worked to cut staff at ‘CBS Evening News,’ hinting at further reductions that could affect 15% of the CBS News overall workforce.
A New Chapter for Cooper
Cooper’s exit is emblematic of his decision to prioritize spending time with his young family. His work on CNN, including a podcast and Sunday longform program ‘The Whole Story,’ will continue. Despite the difficulty of leaving ’60 Minutes,’ he views it as a highlight of his career.
What It Means for ’60 Minutes’
The loss of Cooper signals a new direction for ’60 Minutes.’ Since 2024, the show has faced criticism over its credibility. Two senior executives suggested cutting back on hard-news segments and focusing more on celebrity profiles and features.
Whether this marks the end of an era at ’60 Minutes’ remains to be seen. Cooper’s last appearance was during a ‘Last Minute’ segment, leaving the door open for his return or cameo appearances in future episodes.