Anderson Cooper Exits '60 Minutes' to Prioritize Family Time

Anderson Cooper is departing CBS News' '60 Minutes' after nearly two decades, choosing to focus on family. Despite efforts from CBS to retain him full-time, Cooper remains committed to CNN. The exit follows a strategic shift at CBS under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who aims to revitalize network ratings.

Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper is leaving CBS News' '60 Minutes' after nearly two decades. Cooper, well known for his dual role with CNN, highlighted his desire to spend more time with his young family as the primary reason for his decision.

The exit marks a significant change in CBS News since Bari Weiss took charge as editor-in-chief. Weiss intends to inject a 'streaming mentality' into CBS and improve its ratings, which currently lag behind competitors ABC and NBC.

While Weiss was keen to bring Cooper on full-time, the respected journalist opted to stay anchored at CNN, where he has covered major global events since 2001. His departure was first reported in Lachlan Cartwright's Breaker newsletter and comes amid broader staffing changes at CBS.

(With inputs from agencies.)