Exclusive: Anderson Cooper Signs New Multiyear Deal with CNN
By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/19/2007 7:05:00 AM
Anderson Cooper has inked a new multiyear pact with CNN, according to sources inside the all news network. Under the terms of the new deal, the host of the CNN primetime show Anderson Cooper 360 can continue as an occasional contributor to 60 Minutes.
Although the network would not comment directly on the matter, CNN President Jon Klein said, "Anderson Cooper is an exceptional journalist, and his dedication in going after important stories wherever they occur makes him a natural fit for CNN. We look forward to more of his groundbreaking work in the years to come."
Cooper’s previous contract with CNN was worth around $2 million a year, according to sources, and his new pay is more than double that amount. CNN has also made Cooper the center of an unprecedented multimillion-dollar promotional campaign.
Last December his newscast was up more than 30% in the key 25-54 news demo.
Cooper’s new CNN deal comes in the wake of months of speculation that he might make a full-time leap to CBS. The 39-year-old Cooper had been courted by CBS to take over the reins of the network’s ratings-challenged morning newscast The Early Show.
CBS News brass has wanted to make over The Early Show for some time, but with Cooper now not available, the news division is struggling to come up with what talent to turn to next. For the time being, the show is staying with the co-host trio of Harry Smith, Hannah Storm and Julie Chen, along with news anchor Russ Mitchell. Co-host Rene Syler left last December.
-
It's interesting going through these comments. It appears most of the 'offended' have axes to grind and/or issues within themselves. I would assume they probably spend their days blogging AGAINST something! The fact is that Anderson has a unique style - and some would call it annoying is the main reason why I tune in. I submit that we have all become used to the plastic/polished/over-bearing/superior personalities of the network news anchors. As one blogger put it – Anderson’s delivery is not ‘classy’ enough – dude, give it a rest. Anderson's style is more like me or you or anyone else you know. He stutters, he shows emotion, he laughs, he displays consternation (Katrina) - it's refreshing! Get a life people! And to the blogger who wrote '... I already know I could do a better job...' I submit - please ask yourself why you have not yet been offered a multi-million dollar contract - need a new agent?
Winston Charlton - 6/29/2008 5:25:00 PM EDT -
i listen to 60 minutes again since anderson cooper reports there.
noone could match his insight and real news during hurricane katrina.
i am surprised cnn lets him to give us the news he does . but then with
the popularity he enjoys, (deservedly,) he has to be given some slack.
we learn more of what is going on in this world from him than any anchor
on the network news.
keep it up . anderson , and hold cbs off indefinitely- until they are no
longer controlled by the big corporations.
louise lynch
louise lynch - 1/13/2008 10:44:00 PM EST -
I think Anderson Cooper has done a superb job on AC 360. He's developed his craft by going where no one else would go and doing the stories no one else wanted. The fact that he comes from a family that happened to have money makes the path he has taken that much more incredible. He seems to have been oblivious to the fact that his name would have opened doors everywhere for him. I think it speaks volumes to his character that he has made his own way. The fact that he has signed a new multi million dollar deal only confirms for me that he has done an amazing job. And about his delivery, I find it to be just fine, I've never thought it to be dry and certainly not jagged. He is a thoughtful and considered speaker who takes great pains to get his story out there in clear and common sense form. I enjoy his program and look forward to hearing him for many years to come. Some of you people need to get a handle on the jealousy and accept him for the true grit journalist he is.
Bern Langley - 6/3/2007 12:58:00 AM EDT -
So what if he gets $4 millions. he deserves it. YOU ROCK AC.
Jenny B. - 3/5/2007 12:20:00 AM EST -
Can someone please explain to me why no one has been fired yet?
"according to sources inside the all news network."
"Although the network would not comment directly on the matter"
So who is the source and if they don''''t comment how did the information get leaked?
This is a blog after all, not a news release.
Daisy Duke - 1/23/2007 5:47:00 PM EST
No related content found.
-
No Top Articles



















