CNN Anchor Steps Down After Nearly 20 Years
CNN anchor Anderson Cooper is leaving his role at 60 Minutes after nearly two decades with the CBS News program, citing his desire to prioritize time with his young children. Cooper announced his departure Monday in a statement, effective immediately.
Cooper, 58, joined the prestigious news magazine in 2007 while maintaining his position as a prime-time anchor at CNN. The dual role lasted nearly 20 years before he made the decision to step down.
Family Priorities Drive Decision
In his announcement, Cooper emphasized the importance of family balance. ‘Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career,’ he said. ‘I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business. For nearly 20 years, I’ve been able to balance 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 want to spend time with me.’
Part of Broader Changes at 60 Minutes
Cooper’s departure signals potential shifts at the storied news organization. Bari Weiss, who joined CBS News as editor-in-chief last October, is expected to implement substantial changes to the program. This move could be among the first of several organizational adjustments under her leadership.
The decision comes after Cooper passed on the CBS Evening News anchor position last year, instead signing a new deal with CNN. Tony Doukopil ultimately received the evening news anchor role following the departure of Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson.
