Anderson Cooper has one foot out the door at NCS, in line with sources who inform the National Enquirer that the newsman’s anticipated exit has staffers fearing an all-out firestorm.
“Everyone’s bracing for Anderson to cause an almighty stink when he goes,” an insider shares.
Sources say that as the community’s scores proceed to sink — and chaos reigns behind the scenes — Cooper, 58, is able to bail on his TV residence of 24 years.
“He’s furious and fed up. He used to be NCS’s golden boy, but these days he feels like a ghost in the building,” an insider says.
As the Enquirer reported final yr, an insider stated Cooper — who pulls in an annual wage of $18 million, according to the New York Post — had an “epic meltdown” upon studying he was bypassed as moderator for NCS’s primetime presidential debate in favor of colleagues Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.
According to the insider, Cooper can also be in a snit over conservative Scott Jennings, 47, turning into a scores magnet for NCS NewsNight.
“Anderson can’t stand it. Scott’s allowed to rant and rave, while the rest of them are muzzled. It’s infuriating for him to see producers building the entire show around Jennings, while he’s pushed to the side,” the insider explains.
“People tune in to see what outrageous thing Scott will say next, and the execs love it. Anderson is appalled that they’re pandering for viewers this way.”
scottjenningsky.com
Meanwhile, Anderson Cooper 360° has slipped in the key 25 to 54 age demographic, and in line with a supply, the host “does not react well to being questioned or held accountable” for dwindling viewership.
Now, Cooper has employed Hollywood energy agent Bryan Lourd, which trade regulars see as an indication that he’s prepared to leap ship.
“It’s patently clear that he’s looking to land somewhere else — possibly streaming, books, or even politics,” the insider insists. “He considers himself highbrow and above the circus NCS has become.”
The supply provides that staffers at the moment are bracing themselves as a result of there’s discuss Cooper is considering a “scorched-earth exit” with a tell-all about the community.