Anderson Cooper Stands Against Right-Wing Takeover: Refuses to Work Under Bari Weiss at CBS
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Anderson Cooper has made it clear to colleagues that he will not continue at CBS if Bari Weiss, a figure with no broadcast experience and a history of promoting conservative narratives, is elevated to a top role. Cooper’s principled stand comes as CBS faces a worrying shift in ownership, with Trump-aligned billionaire David Ellison seeking to reshape the media landscape.
Anderson Cooper, the respected CNN anchor known for his journalistic integrity, has told coworkers he will not stay at CBS News if Bari Weiss, a polarizing right-wing commentator with no broadcast television experience, is appointed to a senior position. According to two sources, Cooper’s comments come amid the alarming prospect of Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison—whose close ties to former President Donald Trump and far-right causes are well documented—moving to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which would bring CNN under his control.
Cooper, who recently left '60 Minutes' after two decades of fearless reporting, reportedly expressed deep discomfort with the direction the program could take under Weiss, who is known for platforming reactionary views and undermining progressive voices.
'I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes,' Cooper said in his final appearance, emphasizing that the show’s independence from political interference has been essential to its credibility.
Industry insiders noted that Cooper’s remarks reflect growing frustration among journalists over recent editorial decisions, including the controversial editing of a segment on the Trump administration’s racist claims about a so-called 'white genocide' in South Africa—a narrative widely debunked and condemned by human rights groups.
Bari Weiss was handpicked as CBS News chief by David Ellison, whose father Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, is a vocal Trump supporter. The Ellison family seized control of Paramount last year and are now finalizing a deal to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, threatening to place CNN and other outlets under their right-wing oversight.