CNN star Anderson Cooper has reportedly told colleagues he does not want to work for CBS News boss Bari Weiss if she is ultimately placed in charge of the cable network, according to a report by The New York Times.
Cooper's reported reservations surface as Paramount chief executive David Ellison considers a potential merger that could give Weiss oversight of both CBS News and CNN. This reported opposition follows similar signals of resistance from other prominent CNN figures regarding a future led by Weiss.
According to The Times, CNN chief executive Mark Thompson has informed Paramount officials that he will not share editorial oversight with another executive. Longtime anchor Jake Tapper has also recently met with Ellison in Los Angeles, though the nature of their discussion remains unknown.
Ellison has reportedly maintained support for Weiss despite a period of significant change at CBS News since she became editor-in-chief last year. One proposed management structure under consideration would involve pairing Weiss with a seasoned television executive to handle operational and financial aspects, while she would retain editorial control of the combined news organizations.
Cooper's reported comments come after a period of professional shifts involving Weiss. Earlier this year, Weiss reportedly approached Cooper about anchoring the "CBS Evening News," an offer he declined. Shortly thereafter, Cooper chose not to renew his contract as a correspondent for "60 Minutes," concluding a nearly two-decade tenure to focus more on his work at CNN and his family, according to public statements. However, multiple reports suggest he was also uncomfortable with the direction of CBS News under Weiss, particularly following the departures of senior journalists and executive producer Bill Owens.
Weiss's tenure at CBS News has coincided with a turbulent period, marked by restructuring and staff changes. Following Owens' resignation, citing editorial interference, Weiss dismissed several other executives and producers as part of a significant overhaul of "60 Minutes." The shake-up culminated in the departure of veteran correspondent Scott Pelley, who had publicly criticized Weiss.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding leadership has now extended to CNN as Ellison moves closer to finalizing the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Veteran CNN executive Amy Entelis has reportedly become a point of contact for anchors and correspondents concerned about the network's future. Additionally, journalist Kara Swisher has stated she would cease collaborating with CNN if Ellison were to replace Thompson, citing the upheaval at CBS News.