Anderson as the Anti-Anchor

As Anderson Cooper takes over the lead anchor chair on CNN, a new form of journalism is emerging, perhaps as a new generation of ambitious passionate reporters take the baton from the professional and polished, albeit more stolid in nature, anchors of yesteryear. Jennings, Brokaw, and Rather all did investigative reporting from the field, but they were more widely known for their coverage from behind the desk as impartial journalists rather than advocates for the people.

38 year-old Cooper, however, is not anchored to his chair at all, frequently reports from the field, and is not afraid to use his position in the media as a voice for people who are not being heard as well as assuming the role of the run-of-the-mill next door neighbor asking the questions you wish you could ask yourself. He has been with CNN for the past four years, but became a household name for his steady and determined coverage in the midst of Hurricane Katrina, and his humanity and compassion in its aftermath.

Alongside CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour, this may be the changing face of journalism and a hint of the types of news stories that will take precedence in the future and how they will be presented to their audience.