Anderson Cooper joining '60 Minutes'

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who became a TV-news star with his coverage of Hurricane Katrina last year, is taking a side gig with ``60 Minutes.''

Although he'll remain in his regular job anchoring ``Anderson Cooper 360'' for CNN, Cooper will contribute a handful of stories to the venerable CBS program each year. He'll start in the fall.

``I'm very excited by the opportunity to work at `60 Minutes,''' Cooper says. ``I grew up watching the broadcast and, like many Americans, still try to make sure I'm home Sunday nights at 7 (EDT) so I can see it. I'm truly honored to be part of `60 Minutes' and look forward to working with (executive producer) Jeff Fager and all the other remarkable talents at CBS News.''

Under the agreement, Cooper will contribute up to five stories a year to ``60 Minutes,'' and CNN will have the chance to re-air the stories on Cooper's show.

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