Anderson Cooper Concludes Role as ’60 Minutes’ Correspondent

Anderson Cooper is concluding his role as a correspondent for CBS’s renowned newsmagazine, ’60 Minutes,’ after nearly twenty years. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, during which he reported while simultaneously anchoring at CNN. Sources indicate that Cooper chose not to renew his contract to continue focusing on family and his responsibilities at CNN.

Cooper’s Impact on ’60 Minutes’

In a heartfelt statement, Cooper expressed his gratitude for the experience. “Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career,” he said. He emphasized the opportunity to share remarkable stories and collaborate with top professionals in the industry.

• Duration on ’60 Minutes’: Nearly 20 years
• First Season: 2006-2007
• Final Segment: A profile on filmmaker Ken Burns

Future Plans

Cooper recently signed a new contract with CNN, where he hosts his primetime show and the Sunday newsmagazine, ‘The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.’ Besides his television roles, he also oversees a podcast and streaming series titled ‘All There Is.’

Changes at CBS

Cooper’s exit comes amidst significant changes at CBS News. The network navigated challenges, including a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over edits made during an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Legal experts considered the lawsuit baseless, yet the settlement was perceived as essential for the ongoing acquisition of CBS by Skydance.

During this tumultuous period, key executives at CBS News resigned, including executive producer Bill Owens and news division head Wendy McMahon. Recent editorial decisions have also stirred controversy, such as the withdrawal of a segment on deportations to El Salvador. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi criticized the move, asserting it reflected corporate interference rather than editorial judgment.

Recognition and Awards

Cooper’s work on ’60 Minutes’ has garnered numerous accolades. His segments have won multiple Emmy Awards, showcasing his compelling storytelling. Notable pieces include a profile of jazz prodigy Joey Alexander and a feature on African prison musicians who received Grammy recognition.

As he steps away from ’60 Minutes,’ Anderson Cooper looks forward to spending quality time with his young children while continuing to shape news coverage at CNN.