Anderson Cooper’s exit raises new questions about the future of ‘60 Minutes’

Cooper framed the move as personal, but reports suggest friction over Bari Weiss’ leadership and the show’s direction

Here’s stunning news, although when you really think about it, maybe it’s not all that surprising.

Anderson Cooper is leaving “60 Minutes.”

Breaker’s Lachlan Cartwright broke the story Monday, writing, “Cooper has decided to pass on a renewal offer with CBS and leave the show, according to people familiar with the matter.”

It’s the end of a journalism era. Cooper has been with the legendary news magazine show since the 2006-07 season. And his departure certainly adds more uncertainty in a news division that is very much in flux under relatively new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. There are reports of impending layoffs at CBS News.

It also raises questions about “60 Minutes,” the previous gold standard of TV news shows.