Anchor Anderson Cooper has reportedly expressed that he is not interested in continuing with the network if CBS boss Bari Weiss takes over its leadership.
This follows Cooper’s recent departure from 60 Minutes, which aired on CBS, adding to a list of high-profile departures. Cooper was one of the few journalists who simultaneously worked with both CBS and CNN.
A new report says Anderson Cooper would leave CNN if Bari Weiss takes control of the network
The New York Times reported on June 27 that the 59-year-old anchor has told colleagues he’s not interested in working with the CBS News boss if Weiss takes over CNN.
According to People, his reported remarks come amid a proposed corporate merger that would also leave Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison with ownership of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal is valued at $111 billion.
Cooper left 60 Minutes amidst a period of alleged shakeups from Weiss and other executives, including several high-profile exits. After being fired, longtime correspondent Scott Pelley accused Weiss of “murdering” 60 Minutes. He alleged that the program’s executives were prioritizing political bias and attempting to curry favor with President Donald Trump.
Cooper, however, had cited family reasons when announcing his exit earlier this year. He had joined 60 Minutes in 2006-07, but continued to anchor CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°. Following that, he also co-hosts CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve special alongside Andy Cohen. He renewed his CNN contract in December 2025.
During his last segment of 60 Minutes, Cooper said he thinks the independence of 60 Minutes and the trust it has with viewers have been critical to its success.
With the merger plans still developing, Cooper’s reported concerns highlight the uncertainty surrounding CNN’s future leadership. If Weiss takes on a larger role across both networks, it could potentially reshape the working dynamics at CNN moving forward.
DO YOU THINK ANDERSON COOPER SHOULD CONTINUE WITH CNN EVEN IF BARI WEISS TAKES OVER?
