According to an insider, Andy Cohen played a significant role behind the scenes in Anderson Cooper’s decision to walk away from CBS’s 60 Minutes. The source claims Cohen believed Cooper was being pushed out and that his judgment on the show was being questioned. As a result, he reportedly advised Cooper to leave a place where he didn’t feel respected. But Cooper has publicly stated that his decision stemmed from a desire to spend more time with his children.
Sources suggest Andy Cohen played major role in Anderson Cooper exit
Several sources shared updates on Cooper’s exit from Naughty But Nice. They claimed that Cohen played a key role in his decision to leave the network. Sources revealed that Cohen advised him to walk away amid the leadership change at the organization. “Andy absolutely told him it was time. He said, “Why stay somewhere you’re not wanted?” an insider revealed.
The source further mentioned that Cohen believed Cooper was being sidelined in subtle yet significant ways, with his segments micromanaged and his judgment frequently questioned. The source added, “Andy felt Anderson was being squeezed out. Segments were micromanaged. His judgment was second-guessed. It became untenable.” Cohen had been vocal about his criticism of CBS. He initially slammed them for canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Cohen also called out new CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil over the planned changes to Evening News.
Cooper joined the CBS news program as a correspondent during the 2006–2007 season. He recently addressed his decision to leave CBS at the end of the broadcast period in May. Cooper cited the need to give his family more time. According to Associated Press, he said, “Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crew in the business.”
“For nearly 20 years, I’ve been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me,” he added.
