Is Anderson Cooper Leaving CNN?

Anderson Cooper Bio

Anderson Cooper is a highly respected American journalist, television anchor, and author, best known for hosting CNN’s flagship news program, Anderson Cooper 360°. With a career spanning decades, Cooper has become one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in American broadcast journalism.

Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and quickly earned a reputation for his fearless on-the-ground reporting from disaster zones, war fronts, and areas of political unrest. His work during events like Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake brought him widespread acclaim.

In addition to his work at CNN, Cooper also contributes as a correspondent for 60 Minutes, the CBS News magazine program, further showcasing his range as a journalist. He has hosted other television projects over the years, including the daytime talk show Anderson Live, and co-hosts CNN’s popular New Year’s Eve special alongside longtime friend Andy Cohen.

An accomplished author, Cooper has written several bestselling books, including Dispatches from the Edge and The Rainbow Comes and Goes. Based in New York, Cooper is also a devoted father of two sons born via surrogacy. With multiple Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a global reputation for journalistic integrity, he remains a defining voice in American news media.

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Is Anderson Cooper Leaving CNN?

As of July 2025, Anderson Cooper has not officially announced his departure from CNN, but strong indications suggest he may be considering his next move. Reports indicate that Cooper is unhappy with recent changes at the network, including being passed over for key assignments and concerns over CNN’s declining ratings. He recently hired top Hollywood agent Bryan Lourd, a move often seen as a step toward exploring new opportunities in streaming, publishing, or other media ventures.

Despite these developments, Cooper continues to host Anderson Cooper 360° and The Whole Story on CNN. While there’s no confirmed departure, industry insiders believe he may be preparing for a shift in his career. For now, he remains on air—but his future at CNN appears increasingly uncertain.

Anderson Cooper Salary

Anderson Cooper reportedly earns $18 million per year from CNN, making him one of the highest-paid anchors in cable news. Some outlets estimate his earnings may be closer to $20 million, though CNN has not officially confirmed the figure. His compensation reflects his status as a top-tier journalist, hosting the network’s flagship program Anderson Cooper 360°, and contributing to CBS’s 60 Minutes. Unlike many in the media spotlight, Cooper’s wealth is largely self-made, built through his journalism career rather than inheritance.

In 2025, his high salary has drawn attention amid CNN’s financial challenges and broader cost-cutting efforts. With the network’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, preparing for a spinoff and managing substantial debt, Cooper’s pay has reportedly come under internal review. His salary, significantly higher than that of many CNN colleagues, highlights the growing pressure on traditional media outlets to justify top-level compensation in an evolving and competitive news landscape.

Why is Anderson Cooper Upset with CNN?

Anderson Cooper is reportedly feeling deeply frustrated with CNN, and insiders say he’s even considering walking away from the network after more than two decades. Despite earning a reported $18 million annually, Cooper is said to be unhappy with the network’s declining ratings and increasingly disillusioned with internal decisions, particularly around who gets the spotlight.

One major source of tension was CNN’s decision to pass him over for moderating a primetime 2025 presidential debate. Instead, the high-profile assignment went to colleagues Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, a move that reportedly triggered what some sources described as an “epic meltdown.” After 24 years at the network, Cooper felt blindsided and undervalued.

Adding to the frustration is the rise of Scott Jennings, whose show CNN NewsNight has become a surprise ratings hit. According to insiders, Cooper finds it hard to accept that Jennings—whose unfiltered, often fiery commentary is encouraged by executives—is being favored while other veteran anchors, including himself, are more tightly controlled. The shift in tone and talent strategy at CNN appears to be at odds with Cooper’s style and journalistic standards, leading to a growing rift between him and the network’s leadership.

Anderson Cooper Networth

As of 2025, Anderson Cooper’s net worth is most commonly estimated to be around $60 million, according to reliable sources like Celebrity Net Worth and TV Insider. This wealth is largely built from his decades-long journalism career, primarily as the host of Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN. In addition to his anchor salary—reportedly between $18 - $20 million per year—Cooper also earns from other ventures, including book deals, public speaking, special media appearances, and his ongoing role as a correspondent for 60 Minutes.

Some media outlets, such as USA Today, have suggested that Cooper’s net worth could be significantly higher, possibly reaching $200 million. These higher estimates typically account for potential investments, private assets, and residual earnings from various media projects.

However, the more widely accepted figure of $60 million is considered realistic based on his known income and career trajectory. Notably, despite coming from a prominent family, Cooper has openly stated that he did not inherit significant wealth, making his financial success largely self-made.

Anderson Cooper Career

Anderson Cooper’s career in journalism spans over three decades and is marked by bold reporting, versatility, and a steady rise to the top of broadcast news.

1. Early Journalism & Channel One (1990–1995)

After graduating from Yale, Cooper began his media career at Channel One, initially as a fact-checker. But his drive to report from the front lines quickly pushed him into the field. He worked as an international correspondent, producing powerful reports from conflict zones in Myanmar, Vietnam, Somalia, Bosnia, and Rwanda. These early years shaped his fearless approach to journalism and his passion for uncovering untold global stories.

2. ABC News Era (1995–2000)

In 1995, Cooper joined ABC News as a correspondent and soon co-anchored the overnight newscast World News Now. He also briefly stepped into a different role, hosting the reality competition show The Mole in 2000. Though unconventional for a journalist, this stint revealed his comfort in front of the camera and his wide-ranging appeal.

3. Rise at CNN (2001–Present)

Cooper’s career took a defining turn when he joined CNN in 2001. He initially co-anchored American Morning but found his stride when Anderson Cooper 360° debuted in 2003. His powerful, emotional coverage of major events like Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 tsunami in Asia, and the Haiti earthquake helped him become one of CNN’s most trusted and recognizable anchors. He’s also taken on several other roles at the network, including co-hosting the annual New Year’s Eve broadcast, leading NewsNight, and launching the daytime talk show Anderson Live (2011–2013). In 2023, he debuted the investigative series The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.

4. Beyond the Anchor Desk

Cooper’s influence extends beyond CNN. Since 2007, he’s been a regular correspondent for 60 Minutes on CBS, further proving his depth as a journalist. He’s hosted specials like CNN Heroes, co-produced environmental documentaries like Planet in Peril, guest-hosted Jeopardy! in 2021, and even toured with Andy Cohen in their live stage show AC2.

He's also a bestselling author and podcast host. His books, including Dispatches from the Edge and The Rainbow Comes and Goes, have received critical acclaim. His 2022 podcast, All There Is, explores grief and healing, inspired by his personal experiences. More recently, Cooper has published works exploring the legacy of American dynasties like the Vanderbilts and Astors.

5. Awards & Recognition

Throughout his career, Cooper has earned widespread respect and recognition. He has received approximately 18 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards, and GLAAD Media Awards, celebrating his fearless journalism and contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in media.

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FAQ

Question 1: What is Anderson Cooper's current role at CNN?
Answer: He hosts Anderson Cooper 360° and The Whole Story, and also contributes to CBS’s 60 Minutes as a correspondent.

Question 2: Is Anderson Cooper leaving CNN in 2025?
Answer: There’s no official announcement, but reports suggest he is considering other opportunities due to growing dissatisfaction with network decisions.

Question 3: How much does Anderson Cooper earn annually?
Answer: He reportedly earns between $18 - $20 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid anchors in cable news.

Question 4: Why is Anderson Cooper upset with CNN?
Answer: He is reportedly frustrated over declining ratings, being passed over for key assignments like the 2025 presidential debate, and the rise of other on-air personalities.

Question 5: What is Anderson Cooper's estimated net worth in 2025?
Answer: His net worth is most commonly estimated at $60 million, though some sources suggest it could be as high as $200 million.