Anderson Cooper recently announced his departure from 60 Minutes. While there had been some debate over why he left, recent insiders have claimed that one figure might have attempted to keep him on the show. That said, some insiders painted a different picture of what happened.
Anderson Cooper Shared His Reasons For Leaving 60 Minutes
As a broadcast journalist, Cooper is known for a variety of shows. Having joined CNN in 2001, he is known for anchoring Anderson Cooper 360°.
The New York native also joined 60 Minutes in 2006 as a correspondent. However, after around 20 years with the show, he recently announced his departure from the show earlier this month.
At the time, Cooper claimed that he had wanted to leave the show to spend more time with his family. Cooper noted that he had “little kids now,” referring to his sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, and that he wanted to “spend as much time with them as possible, while they want to spend time with me.”
Viewers Have Seen Multiple Figures Leave CBS News
However, according to Radar Online, a source claimed that one figure in particular actually wanted him to stay on the show. This was Bari Weiss, who was recently installed as editor-in-chief at CBS News.
A source claimed that Weiss offered a “crazy amount” of money to Cooper in the hopes that he would renew his contract with the network. At this time, it’s unclear what exact number he was offered. However, he ultimately decided to leave the show.
This share was notable, as insiders previously hinted that Cooper’s decision to leave wasn’t entirely his own. As reported by Rob Shuter on his Substack, it was claimed that Cooper was “pushed” from the show. Saying he “didn’t quit,” the insider noted, “When management makes it that uncomfortable, walking away is the only option left.
Meanwhile, shakeups at CBS News have been making headlines since Weiss was installed at the network. Regardless of what really caused Cooper to leave the show, one source believed that his departure could reflect what is to come.
As one insider told Radar Online, “Anderson is just the tip of the iceberg – the unrest and disillusionment are widespread inside CBS, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the star journalists follow suit. The anger is at a fever pitch, and CBS News has become a shell of itself.”
Have you been following this story? What do you make of what the insiders have been saying? Finally, did you watch Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
