Anderson Cooper Switches to CAA Amid CNN Role Uncertainty

Anderson Cooper, the veteran CNN anchor earning $18 million annually, has switched his talent representation from United Talent Agency to Hollywood-focused Creative Artists Agency, directly under CEO Bryan Lourd. This move is widely interpreted by industry insiders as a strategic step signaling that Cooper may be exploring opportunities beyond CNN amid the network's tightening financial pressures and declining viewership for his show. Warner Bros. Discovery's restructuring and cost-cutting measures have intensified speculation that high-salary contracts like Cooper's could be scrutinized or eliminated. Cooper's diversified media roles, including contributions to CBS's "60 Minutes" and guest hosting "Jeopardy!," coupled with this agency change, suggest he is preparing for potential career evolution outside of traditional cable news. CNN has officially denied rumors that Cooper is leaving, but insiders note that his ratings have fallen below 700,000 viewers, significantly lower than some colleagues who command much smaller salaries. The shift reflects broader challenges faced by veteran TV news anchors as media companies restructure amid financial and market pressures.