📺 Anderson Cooper said he will step down as a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes” after nearly two decades, while continuing his work at CNN, including “Anderson Cooper 360” 13. Cooper said he’s managed to balance his roles at CNN and CBS for years, but now wants to spend more time with his children while they’re young 13.
For CBS News and its parent company, Paramount, his departure comes during a period of change, as leadership pushes a broader effort to refresh and strengthen the network 2.
Sources
- Anderson Cooper is leaving CBS's '60 Minutes' after nearly 2 decades [businessinsider.com] (2026-02-17)
- Anderson Cooper to leave ‘60 Minutes’ in latest shake-up at CBS News [ft.com] (2026-02-17)
- Anderson Cooper Is Leaving ’60 Minutes’ [nytimes.com] (2026-02-17)
Highlights
- Cooper’s statement: He called being a “60 Minutes” correspondent “one of the great honors” of his career, and said he’s prioritizing time with his young children 13.
- CBS response: CBS thanked Cooper for his work, pointed to his reporting and interviews, and said the program would welcome him back if he ever wants to return 1.
For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my 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 still want to spend time with me.
— Anderson Cooper — Business Insider
Perspectives
Anderson Cooper: He called the “60 Minutes” role a career honor, but said he’s leaving to focus on his CNN work and spend more time with his children 3.
CBS News: A CBS spokesperson thanked Cooper and highlighted his reporting, adding that the show would be there if he ever wants to return 1.
Financial Times: FT framed Cooper’s exit as part of broader efforts under Bari Weiss to reinvigorate the Paramount-owned CBS network 2.