Christiane Amanpour, CNN's chief international anchor, announced Monday that she will leave the network in June 2027, bringing an end to a 43-year run that made her one of the most recognizable faces in global journalism.
In a statement to CNN, Amanpour said she made the decision after "many months of thought and a few sleepless nights," describing the network as "my partner of 43 fantastic years!" She expressed excitement about "interesting new projects down the line" and said she will "always be rooting for CNN and maintaining its history of independent journalism." Her parting advice to colleagues: "Remember: always be truthful, not neutral."
Amanpour's career at CNN began in 1983 when she joined the foreign desk. She rose to prominence covering the First Gulf War, then reported on conflicts in Bosnia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iran, among others. She served as the network's chief international correspondent from 1992 to 2010, and has hosted "Amanpour" on CNN International since 2009. She briefly anchored ABC's "This Week" from 2010 to 2011, but a "unique arrangement" allowed her to return to CNN in 2012 while still contributing to ABC.
CNN chairman Mark Thompson said he and Amanpour had discussed her departure "for some months." In a statement shared by CNN's chief media analyst Brian Stelter on X, Thompson said, "Like so many CNNers who will hear the news today, I'm very sorry to see her go, but I've come to accept that this is the right time for her, both personally and professionally." He called her "one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere" and thanked her for "43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship."
Amanpour's announcement comes amid significant upheaval at CNN's parent company. Paramount Skydance recently completed its multibillion-dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, renaming the combined entity Skydance. In May, Amanpour voiced concerns about the new ownership's impact on journalism, pointing to its handling of CBS News. She said, "I'm concerned based on what's happened to the other things that [Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison's] taken over already, like CBS News, right? I mean do I have to list what's happening there?" She cited "this ideological realignment of CBS and the destruction, potentially, of '60 Minutes'" as reasons for her unease.
Amanpour contributed to "60 Minutes" from 1996 to 2005, adding to her deep ties to the network. Her concerns reflect broader anxieties among journalists about the direction of major media organizations under new ownership.
Throughout her career, Amanpour has been recognized with numerous awards, including two George Polk Awards for Television Reporting, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Distinguished Achievement in Journalism, and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. Her work has been particularly noted for its focus on human rights and conflict zones.
Her departure will mark the end of an era for CNN, where she has been a leading voice on international affairs. The network has said it will celebrate her career before she leaves. Amanpour's exit also comes at a time when CNN is navigating a changing media landscape and new corporate leadership.
As the industry watches, her decision is likely to fuel further discussion about the pressures facing independent journalism and the future of legacy news outlets. Amanpour's own words—"always be truthful, not neutral"—are likely to remain a guiding principle for many journalists.
