Anderson Cooper hires Hollywood ‘super agent’ — a sign the $18M-a-year anchor may leave CNN: reports
Anderson Cooper, a prominent figure in the world of journalism and a celebrated anchor at CNN, has made headlines recently for hiring acclaimed Hollywood ‘super agent’, Bryan Lourd from Creative Artists Agency (CAA). This unexpected move is stirring rumors about Cooper’s potential departure from CNN, particularly in light of the financial constraints the network is currently experiencing.
Cooper’s Strategic Move: A Shift in Representation
The decision to switch representation from the long-established United Talent Agency (UTA) to Lourd is significant. Bryan Lourd is best known for managing high-profile Hollywood talent, which raises intriguing possibilities regarding Cooper’s future career directions. By bringing Lourd on board, Cooper might be signaling an intention to broaden his media engagements beyond traditional news broadcasting.
This strategic pivot comes at a time when Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, is undergoing rigorous restructuring. CEO David Zaslav has implemented various cost-cutting measures, causing ripples throughout the network. As a high-earning anchor, Cooper’s position is now more precarious than ever, making this career move notable.
Exploring New Avenues Beyond CNN
Anderson Cooper is more than just a CNN anchor; his career encompasses various roles that reflect his versatile talents. He has expanded beyond the realm of cable news with his contributions to CBS’s “60 Minutes,” temporary hosting of the iconic game show “Jeopardy!,” and embarking on unique projects like a podcast focusing on grief. These endeavors suggest that Cooper is interested in diversifying his career portfolio, which aligns with his recent engagement of a Hollywood agent.
Industry experts assert that with the ongoing trend of layoffs and pervasive salary cuts in the journalism sector, Cooper’s new partnership may be essential. With many professionals in similar positions facing instability, his calculated shift seems aimed at securing promising opportunities in or outside the conventional news landscape.
The Future of Anderson Cooper and CNN
