Anderson Cooper Seals CNN Future Despite Waning Rankings

The favored TV host has recently signed a brand new deal that enables him to stay with the network, but on the opposite side of things. This is perhaps a questionable move, seeing that the network’s primetime rating has fallen considerably.

Over time, Anderson Cooper has anchored a big selection of events for CNN, starting from election news, weekend programmes, and natural disaster reports to co-hosting the annual Recent Yr’s Eve celebration show.

Cooper’s face time on the screens would scale back, but his presence on the network wouldn’t. The favored anchor may now not be seen usually by viewers, but this doesn’t mean he’s off CNN’s payroll. 

He recently signed a cope with the news outlet, which allows him to give attention to a distinct segment. There, he can be working on actively creating content for viewers who decide to subscribe to a recently-launched broadband service. 

Though no network executives have made statements to this, three people accustomed to the matter have let the general public in on among the details. CNN’s decision to retain Cooper may come as a surprise to many as a consequence of the move by many conventional news outlets to part ways with their veterans.

In keeping with Variety, the evolving world has audiences leaning towards streaming video and mobile devices for news, information, and entertainment. This also plays a hand in media corporations scrutinizing their staff’ salaries, but notably, Cooper has been with the network since 2001.

The Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news division can be retaining its long-time anchor despite its waning primetime rankings. Data from Nielsen shows that Viewership for CNN’s primetime lineup fell by 42% within the third quarter. Its audience viewers were also off by 58% for the 25-54 age bracket. 

Because the 2026 midterm elections draw near, CNN must work harder to attract the audience into programs covering the events. That is an area where Cooper’s on-screen presence was highly valued as he plays a big role in election coverage.

Because the economics of TV news became wavy, Cooper attempted to leap ship in June. He reportedly moved to the CAA talent agency. This was taken as a move to explore other opportunities and might need played an element within the network’s decision to renew his contract.

A little bit over a 12 months ago, while covering Hurricane Milton, Cooper took successful to the face. The journalist was hit within the face by flying debris. A clip of this moment went viral, and the web raved against CNN. Many fans were fearful about his safety, considering his age on the time.

Although he also covered Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, he had not gotten near injury or faced dangers while working. The Blast reported that he was captured soaking wet on the Mantee River with waves crashing against the platform where he stood.

Fans clapped back on the network, with some claiming they were attempting to kill their staff, and others stating the importance of being safety-conscious in such situations.

Thus far, for eight consecutive years, Copper and his friend Andy Cohen have co-hosted the network’s annual Recent Yr’s Eve celebration show. The show ushers the net global audience into the brand new 12 months, live from Recent York City’s Times Square.

The Hollywood Reporter shared that last 12 months, the hosts kicked off the event at 8 p.m. with popular musical guests including Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Lil Jon, and others. In addition they featured comedians equivalent to Adam Devine and Whitney Cummings.

The show goes on till midnight, with other reporters providing live coverage from different locations like Paradise Island within the Bahamas, Prescott, Arizona, and from the Times Square crowds, and in Madame Tussauds. Hosting this show has generated significant viewership for CNN across social media.

Cooper revealed that he had spent most of his life hating Recent Yr’s Eve, describing it as a tough night for him. His personal reason for this was heart-touching. He lost his father, five days into the brand new 12 months in 1978, and each Eve brings those feelings back to him.

He shared that watching the Recent Yr’s Eve celebrations that 12 months filled him with fear and a sense of loneliness. For this reason, he began working on the Holiday to assist take his mind off the sad feelings.

As reported by PEOPLE, Cooper has come to enjoy the nice time he’s spent working with Cohen and likewise tries to attach and relate with those that is perhaps grieving during that point, too. “I’ve come also to enjoy being with all of you who’re possibly watching alone or who’re possibly grieving…,” he said.

What’s going to Anderson Cooper’s next chapter at CNN be like?