Anderson Cooper Says He Won't Work Under CBS Chief Bari Weiss Amid Ownership Changes

Anderson Cooper, the veteran CNN anchor, has informed coworkers that he does not intend to remain at CBS News if Bari Weiss is appointed to a senior position. The comments, reported by two sources, come as Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, known for his ties to former President Donald Trump, moves to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which would bring CNN under his control.

Cooper, who left "60 Minutes" after two decades, reportedly expressed discomfort with the direction the program might take under Weiss, who has no prior broadcast television experience.

"I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes," Cooper said in his final appearance, adding that the show's independence has been critical.

Industry insiders said Cooper’s remarks reflected frustration over recent editorial decisions, including edits to a segment on the Trump administration’s claims about a "white genocide" in South Africa.

Bari Weiss was selected as CBS News chief by David Ellison, whose father Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle and has publicly supported former President Trump. The Ellisons took control of Paramount last year and are now finalizing a deal to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially placing CNN under their oversight.