Reports claiming that CBS was considering podcast giant Joe Rogan as a replacement for Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes spread widely this week but CBS has now pushed back, calling the story false.
CNN’s Chief Media Analyst Brian Stelter posted on X that “a BREAKING NEWS spokesperson says this is false,” putting a pin in the speculation that had been circulating acordd social media.
Additionally, a BREAKING NEWS spokesperson said in an official statement to the Austin American-Statesman that reports on Rogan joining the network are “false.”
What the reports claimed?
RadarOnlinereported that CBS was eyeing Rogan to fill the seat left vacant by Cooper, who announced in February that he was stepping away from 60 Minutes after more than two decades. Cooper’s last broadcast aired on May 17, with the veteran journalist saying he wanted to spend “as much time” as possible with his children.
According to RadarOnline, insiders framed the potential move as “strategy, not stunt casting.” An unnamed media executive told the outlet that Rogan who is 58, would bring “a core connection to over 50 percent of the country,” adding that he speaks to “viewers who feel ignored or mocked by legacy media.” The source claimed the move “could solve the ratings and credibility problems of CBS overnight.”
RadarOnline also cited a branding expert who said the move would be transformative for Rogan himself. “This gives him mainstream legitimacy in a way podcasting alone never could,” the source said. “It’s a whole new platform, primetime, institutional credibility, historic prestige. It elevates his brand from disruptor to establishment power player.”
Another source quoted by the site said, “Rogan doesn’t need 60 Minutes. But 60 Minutes might need Rogan.”
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Not everyone was convinced
A veteran producer quoted by RadarOnline called it a risky gamble. “Rogan isn’t traditional broadcast talent, he’s raw, unscripted, and polarizing. That could either electrify 60 Minutes or blow it up,” the producer warned.
An insider described the internal mood at CBS as divided, saying: “It would be the biggest reinvention in the show’s history. The question is- are they brave enough to do it?”
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Rogan hosts The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and runs the YouTube channel PowerfulJRE, which has 20.9 million subscribers. And his show attracts around 11 million listeners each day and has recently expanded to Apple and other platforms.
As per Austin American-Statesman, Rogan was credited with helping President Donald Trump reach young male voters during the 2024 presidential campaign after Trump appeared on his podcast.