Anderson Cooper, one of CNN’s most popular personalities, is staying with the news network for several more years. The Anderson Cooper 360 host has renewed his contract through 2016.
The long-term deal was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter and will keep him as the big star of CNN’s primetime lineup. The network was recently taken over by Jeff Zucker, who has brought in new talent to freshen up the network. Clearly though, he understands how much an asset Cooper is for the network.
According to TheWrap, AC 3260 is up 27 percent to 707,000 viewers over last year and is up 19 percent in the key demographic. The show features investigative journalism, plus Cooper’s humorous, dry take on pop culture topics.
Cooper has been seen on CBS’ 60 Minutes as well. He is best known for his on-location reporting, recently traveling to the Philippines to cover the devastation from the typhoon.
On Twitter, Cooper has over 4 million followers, but hasn’t confirmed the news there yet. He said last night that he taped the annual CNN Heroes special, which airs on Dec. 1. The special will feature appearances from Allison Williams, JAson Biggs, Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan, Daughtry and Sara Bareilles.
image: CBS