Anderson Cooper, a correspondent for CBS News' "60 Minutes" for nearly 20 years, reportedly announced his plans to leave the show amid a shakeup with the network and its new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.
Cooper informed CBS this week that he would not be renewing his contract with the program, and would now be returning for the fall season; however, he will continue to serve as correspondent throughout the remainder of his current contract.
The reason Cooper gave for the departure is that he intends to focus more on his CNN news broadcast show Anderson Cooper 360, as well as devoting more time to his family.
The move comes during a period of behind-the-scenes tension and turmoil at CBS News sparked by the arrival of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in October 2025, whose editorial decisions have raised the ire of numerous staffers at the organization.
There have been several clashes between staff and leadership since Weiss has taken over, including over controversial news segments that were pulled before broadcast, including one about a brutal El Salvadoran prison.
There have also been mass layoffs at CBS News under Weiss' tenure, who has pledged to "restore the network's reputation."