Anderson Cooper was reportedly considering another major career move as speculation continued to swirl around CNN’s future leadership. Fresh claims suggested the veteran anchor had no interest in working under Bari Weiss again and could walk away from the network if she took over following a proposed media merger.
The reports arrived months after Cooper exited 60 Minutes, where Weiss had stepped into a leadership role at CBS News. Insiders now claimed the same circumstances could push him toward an entirely different chapter in television.
Insiders say Andy Cohen could help Anderson pivot to entertainment TV if Bari Weiss ends up leading CNN
RadarOnline reported that Cooper, 59, had privately told colleagues he would not remain at CNN if Weiss assumed a top editorial position following Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The outlet cited sources who claimed Weiss was being considered for a leadership role similar to the one she held at CBS News, where she reportedly oversaw sweeping personnel changes.
One insider told the publication, “Anderson has something almost no one else in television possesses – true financial freedom. He’s never been trapped by a paycheck. If he believes a newsroom no longer reflects his values, he can simply leave.”
The report claimed Cooper’s departure from 60 Minutes earlier this year was also tied to Weiss’ arrival. Another source said, “He wasn’t comfortable with the direction the show was taking under Bari and is in a position where he doesn’t have to put up with it.”
The outlet also revisited the shake-up at 60 Minutes, noting that former correspondent Scott Pelley publicly criticized changes made under Weiss’ leadership after his executive producer was dismissed. Pelley reportedly said Weiss was “murdering” the program and compared the departures to “watching your spouse being murdered.” During his final broadcast in April, Cooper had remarked, “I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes.”
If Cooper ultimately left CNN, insiders claimed longtime friend Andy Cohen believed the move could open new opportunities. According to the report, the Bravo executive had encouraged Cooper to embrace entertainment television, where viewers had already responded to his lighter side through their friendship and public appearances.
“Andy has been telling him for years that audiences love Anderson for his personality as much as Anderson the journalist,” the source said. “There are countless opportunities beyond hard news, and Anderson finally has the freedom to pursue them.”
While no official changes had been announced regarding CNN’s leadership, the reported merger continued fueling speculation about what might come next.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK ANDERSON COOPER WOULD SUCCEED IN ENTERTAINMENT TV IF HE LEFT CNN?
