Why did Anderson Cooper switch agents now?
As CNN undergoes major cost-cutting and network restructuring, the move has sparked speculation about Cooper’s future at the network, including whether he plans to move into entertainment or leave CNN entirely.Anderson Cooper, who reportedly earns $18 million a year, is choosing Creative Artists Agency and its top deal broker, Bryan Lourd, over his longtime agency, United Talent Agency.
Wiedenfels may target Cooper’s high salary, according to a report published last week by Puck News. CNN however, did not disclose Cooper’s salary. The network has also contested press figures.
The news websites Variety and Semafor announced Cooper’s relocation early on Tuesday. Variety claims that the CAA representative’s clientele is more skewed toward Hollywood’s elite than traditional broadcast journalists, making the choice to switch agents and hire Lourd noteworthy.
A-list celebrities like Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson, and George Clooney have all expressed interest in hiring Lourd, as [er a report by The NY Post.
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Is CNN cutting costs and salaries?
As the traditional TV news model faces increasing financial pressures, Cooper’s change of agencies has sparked speculation about whether the anchor may be getting ready to diversify his holdings or perhaps leave the network entirely.
Over the years, the former war correspondent has expanded his media presence. Apart from hosting CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” he also contributes to CBS’s “60 Minutes” and has previously served as a guest host on “Jeopardy!”
Could Anderson be planning a move beyond hard news?
Cooper’s recent agent change raises the possibility that there will be more development in the future, and these side gigs have allowed him to go beyond breaking bad news.
Cooper’s timing reportedly coincides with price reductions and a reevaluation of talent strategies by all networks. Cooper’s bosses at Warner Bros. Discovery, the media conglomerate that owns CNN, are restructuring the company to separate its TV networks from its production and streaming businesses. Analysts believe this move could put the cable channels in a position to be sold in the future.
Numerous seasoned anchors have been asked to accept pay reductions or fired. Cooper’s former coworkers Don Lemon, Jim Acosta, and Alisyn Camerota have all left important positions, and Chris Wallace left CNN.
FAQs
Is Anderson Cooper actually leaving CNN?
Nothing is confirmed yet, but his hiring of Hollywood agent Bryan Lourd has sparked speculation that he is planning to leave CNN or pursue new media opportunities.
Why is Anderson Cooper’s salary being scrutinized?
According to reports, he earns approximately $18 million per year, which is significantly more than other CNN hosts with comparable ratings. Insiders believe that network cost-cutting may put him on the hot seat.
