Anderson Cooper takes thinly veiled dig at Bari Weiss in ‘60 Minutes’ farewell: ‘Independence has been critical’

Why Anderson Cooper Is Leaving

Officially, Cooper has said his departure is rooted in personal reasons and his desire to spend more time with his young sons. The longtime CNN anchor explained that balancing 60 Minutes alongside his nightly duties on Anderson Cooper 360° had become increasingly demanding.

Still, reports have suggested that internal changes at CBS News may also have contributed to his decision. Several outlets reported that Cooper had grown uncomfortable with the network’s evolving direction and the increasing influence of Weiss over editorial operations.

Despite the speculation, Cooper avoided directly criticizing CBS executives during his farewell. Instead, he focused on praising the journalists, producers, and crews who helped shape 60 Minutes into one of the most respected news programs in television history.

Uncertain Future for ‘60 Minutes’

The departure of Cooper has intensified questions about the future of 60 Minutes, a program long regarded as one of the gold standards of investigative journalism.

Insiders reportedly fear additional shakeups may follow as Weiss continues restructuring CBS News. Rumors of staffing changes, editorial overhauls, and broader strategic shifts have fueled anxiety among longtime employees.