Is Anderson Cooper on his way to becoming the next Oprah?

According to the Live Feed, CNN is planning to tape two "specials" featuring the silver-haried anchor, in which he will discuss news in front of a live studio audience. Details on the format are vague; however, CNN did say that the specials -- which tape Apr. 15 and 22 -- will be "conversational."

That CNN is shaking things up should come as little surprise. As PopEater reported, the network's ratings plummeted during the first quarter of 2010. Specifically, Cooper's 10PM news program, 'Anderson Cooper 360,' was down 42 percent in viewers and almost half in the 25-54 demo, and recently lost to repeat programs on MSNBC and HLN. 'Larry King Live,' meanwhile, saw its worst quarter ever.

Whether or not a live audience will improve CNN's viewers remains to be seen. At the very least, it can take comfort in knowing that somebody will be watching this time.