Anderson Cooper to Exit CBS News’ 60 Minutes After Nearly 20 Years

Anderson Cooper will depart CBS News’ “60 Minutes” after nearly two decades as a correspondent, marking a significant shift for the long-running news magazine program. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the move on Monday, making Cooper the latest high-profile figure involved in ongoing newsroom changes at the storied broadcast.

Cooper has served as a correspondent for “60 Minutes” since the 2006–2007 season through a partnership agreement between CBS News and CNN. According to his CBS News profile, the veteran journalist balanced his role at the iconic Sunday program while continuing his work as a leading anchor on CNN. His exit represents the end of a unique cross-network collaboration that has spanned almost 20 years.

During his tenure at “60 Minutes,” Cooper delivered in-depth investigative reports and human-interest stories that resonated with audiences nationwide. Among his recent coverage were segments on COVID-19 long-haulers, shedding light on the lasting health effects of the pandemic, and an investigation into a shipwreck discovered near Mobile, Alabama, believed to be the last slave ship to reach the United States. His reporting combined on-the-ground storytelling with a sharp investigative lens, reinforcing the program’s reputation for impactful journalism.

Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and quickly became one of the network’s most recognizable faces. Over the years, he has reported extensively on major global and domestic events, including the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. His field reporting and anchoring have earned widespread recognition within the broadcast journalism industry.

The Breaker newsletter, published by Lachlan Cartwright, first reported news of Cooper’s upcoming departure from “60 Minutes.” While details about the timing and reasons for his exit have not been publicly disclosed, the development signals another notable change within CBS News as it navigates broader shifts in leadership and staffing.