In one of the most talked‑about developments in TV news this year, veteran journalist Anderson Cooper has confirmed his departure from CBS News’ 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years as a correspondent. The announcement on February 16, 2026 marks a major shift at the Sunday‑night newsmagazine and highlights broader changes in the media landscape.
Cooper, a broadcast news fixture for decades, said he chose to step away primarily to focus on his family and dedicate more time to his flagship role on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°. While his exit is drawing attention for personal reasons, it also comes amid internal changes at CBS News under new leadership, prompting discussions about the future of the network’s newsroom.
Who Is Anderson Cooper
Anderson Cooper, born June 3, 1967 in New York City, is a leading American journalist from a high-profile family his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was a fashion icon, and his father, Wyatt Cooper, was a writer. He began reporting in his early 20s, covering war zones and disasters, before joining CNN in 2001 as the host of Anderson Cooper 360°. Over his career, he’s reported on major events like Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq War, and U.S. elections, earning over 20 Emmy Awards. Off-camera, Cooper is open about his life as part of the LGBTQ+ community and as a father, building trust with millions of viewers.
Why Anderson Cooper Is Leaving 60 Minutes
Cooper, 58, is father to two young sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, and his decision reflects a growing emphasis on life outside the newsroom. His nightly CNN program, Anderson Cooper 360°, remains one of cable news’s most watched shows, and he recently renewed his contract with the network, solidifying his commitment there.
Though the family explanation has dominated headlines, Cooper’s exit also coincides with significant evolution at CBS News, including leadership changes, staff departures and newsroom strategy shifts under new editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss. These dynamics have led some news analysts to wonder whether broader tensions played any role though Cooper himself has stressed his personal priorities. CBS News has expressed gratitude for Cooper’s contributions and indicated the door is open for collaboration in the future, even as the network begins planning for his final segment later in the current season.
Anderson Cooper is leaving ‘60 MINUTES’ after nearly 20 years.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 16, 2026
(Source: https://t.co/fJbj7arKib) pic.twitter.com/cLnO5Cr9i2
Anderson Cooper’s Career Highlights
Over his decades-long career, Anderson Cooper has become one of the most trusted journalists in the U.S. Some of his key achievements include:
- Hosted Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN since 2003, becoming a household name in cable news.
- Covered major global events such as Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and U.S. presidential elections.
- Won over 20 Emmy Awards and multiple Peabody Awards for investigative reporting and live coverage.
- Reported from dangerous conflict zones and disaster areas early in his career, including Myanmar and Bosnia.
- Authored books like Dispatches from the Edge, sharing first-hand experiences from frontline journalism.
- Known for transparency about personal life, including fatherhood and LGBTQ+ advocacy, earning trust and credibility with millions.
What Cooper Leaving Means for CBS News
60 Minutes has long been a cornerstone of American television journalism, known for deep‑dive reporting and award‑winning investigations. But recently, the program and its parent division have experienced internal strain:
- Bari Weiss, the new editor‑in‑chief of CBS News, took over leadership in late 2025 and has pursued editorial changes that some staffers find controversial.
- In December, a 60 Minutes segment about migrant detention practices at a prison in El Salvador was temporarily pulled, drawing criticism from within the newsroom.
- Longtime producer Bill Owens announced he would step down amid broader leadership transitions and industry pressure.
While CBS leadership says these shifts are part of efforts to modernize the network and improve ratings, the timing of Cooper’s departure and the wider churn at the network has led observers to see a pattern of change. Still, neither Cooper nor CBS has explicitly linked his exit to these internal debates. His statement focused squarely on family and workload, leaving outside speculation to fill in the broader context.
What’s Next for CNN and 60 Minutes
With Cooper stepping away, 60 Minutes will continue its 58th season and begin the search for new voices to fill his spot. The show has a long history of rotating correspondents, and previous stars like Steve Kroft and Lesley Stahl have shaped its reputation. How the program evolves without Cooper remains a key question for both CBS and viewers. At CNN, Cooper’s focus will be sharper than ever. In addition to Anderson Cooper 360°, he hosts a popular podcast on personal topics that has resonated with audiences, and he may take on expanded roles there.
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