Anderson Cooper is stepping away from CBS News’ “60 Minutes” after nearly two decades. This news marks another significant change for the iconic Sunday-night program, which has faced challenges under new management at Paramount Skydance.
Cooper expressed the joy he found in his time as a correspondent. “Being a correspondent at ‘60 Minutes’ has been one of the highlights of my career,” he shared. However, he now wants to prioritize family time with his young children.
Recently, Cooper was in talks for a renewal with CBS but decided to focus more on his work at CNN. Alongside his nightly show, he hosts a podcast about grief—a subject that has resounded with many listeners—and a Sunday program titled “The Whole Story.”
His departure comes during a turbulent time for CBS News, particularly under the leadership of Bari Weiss. Since taking over, Weiss has pushed for changes but has also faced criticism. For example, she delayed a report on migrant deportations just to secure a comment from a Trump administration official, despite the original report being ready.
Moreover, Weiss’s tenure has sparked distrust among CBS News staff. She has initiated layoffs and staff reductions, further complicating the newsroom’s dynamics. Some insiders worry that “60 Minutes” may shift its focus away from hard news to less serious features and celebrity profiles, aiming for more online engagement.
The challenges for “60 Minutes” don’t stop there. The program’s credibility has taken hits, one notably due to a lawsuit from former President Trump over his 2024 interview editing. In a settlement, CBS had to pay $16 million, which some believe undermined the program’s integrity.
As Cooper leaves, he takes with him a strong connection to the show, having often promoted its stories on CNN. Whether his recent appearance on “60 Minutes” was truly his last or not remains unclear, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
In a world where media dynamics constantly shift, viewers are increasingly turning to various platforms for news. In fact, recent surveys indicate that younger audiences prefer online news sources to traditional TV. This change signifies a need for traditional outlets like CBS to adapt quickly to maintain relevance with modern audiences.
Source link
60 Minutes,Anderson Cooper,CBS News,CNN
