Read on PBS NewsAnderson Cooper Departs '60 Minutes' After Two Decades to Prioritize Family
Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper has announced his departure from CBS's '60 Minutes' after a 20-year tenure as a correspondent. While he will continue hosting his nightly CNN program, Cooper cited a desire to spend more time with his young children as the primary reason for leaving the prestigious Sunday night newsmagazine. His exit occurs during a period of reported internal turmoil at '60 Minutes,' including leadership changes under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and controversies over story airings and legal disputes. CBS News expressed gratitude for his long service and left the door open for a potential future return.
In a significant shift for broadcast journalism, acclaimed anchor and correspondent Anderson Cooper has decided to step away from his long-standing role at CBS's flagship news program, "60 Minutes." Announced on Monday, February 17, 2026, Cooper's departure marks the end of a unique two-decade tenure where he balanced his duties at the Sunday night institution with hosting CNN's weeknight program, "Anderson Cooper 360." His decision, driven by a personal desire to dedicate more time to his family, comes at a notable moment for the storied broadcast, which has recently faced internal challenges and public scrutiny.
The Announcement and Reasoning
Cooper confirmed his exit in an official statement, expressing deep appreciation for his time on the program. "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 crew in the business." He directly linked his decision to his evolving family life, noting, "For nearly 20 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." According to reports, Cooper is expected to fulfill his commitments for the remainder of the current broadcast season, which concludes in May.
Context of the Departure
Cooper's exit from what is widely regarded as television's most prestigious news program raises inevitable questions about the broader environment at "60 Minutes." His departure coincides with a period of reported unease within the newsmagazine, which has operated under the leadership of CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss since the fall of 2025. While a spokesperson for Cooper stated he had no additional comment beyond his prepared statement, the timing invites speculation about whether internal dynamics played any role in his decision.
Recent Turmoil at '60 Minutes'
The reference material highlights several incidents that have contributed to a tense atmosphere at the broadcast. In December 2025, under Weiss's direction, the program held a completed report from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi concerning the Trump administration's immigration policy. Weiss argued the story needed more effort to secure an interview with administration officials, while Alfonsi privately contended the decision was politically motivated. The segment eventually aired a month later with added commentary but no new on-camera interviews.
Furthermore, the broadcast and its parent company, Paramount Global, became entangled in a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump over its handling of a 2024 interview with his opponent, Kamala Harris. The company's decision to settle the lawsuit out of court reportedly caused significant consternation among staff at "60 Minutes." These events paint a picture of a news institution navigating complex editorial and corporate pressures.
Professional Legacy and Future
Anderson Cooper's contribution to "60 Minutes" began during the 2006-2007 television season, establishing a rare job-sharing arrangement between competing networks. CBS News acknowledged his service with a statement: "We're grateful to him for dedicating so much of his life to this broadcast, and understand the importance of spending more time with family. '60 Minutes' will be here if he ever wants to return." This gracious response leaves the possibility of a future guest appearance or special report open. Importantly, Cooper's primary role as the host of "Anderson Cooper 360" on CNN remains unchanged, ensuring his continued presence as a leading voice in cable news.
Implications for Broadcast News
Cooper's departure from "60 Minutes" symbolizes a moment of transition for legacy broadcast journalism. The move of a high-profile journalist away from a weekly network commitment to focus on a cable platform and family life reflects evolving priorities in the media industry. It also underscores the human element behind major career decisions, even at the highest levels of television news. As "60 Minutes" moves forward, it must address both its internal challenges and the task of filling the void left by a correspondent of Cooper's caliber and audience appeal.
In conclusion, Anderson Cooper's exit from "60 Minutes" is a noteworthy event shaped by personal choice and occurring within a complex professional landscape. His two decades of investigative reporting and storytelling have left a significant mark on the program. While viewers will no longer see him regularly on the Sunday night broadcast, his commitment to journalism continues nightly on CNN. The episode serves as a reminder of the constant evolution within news media and the enduring value placed on family, even amidst a demanding and public career.
