Christiane Amanpour to Depart CNN After 43 Years of Reporting

Christiane Amanpour, the acclaimed chief international anchor at CNN, has announced her decision to leave the network after an impressive tenure of more than 43 years. Mark Thompson, the CEO of CNN, conveyed this news to employees in a letter that was revealed by NBC News.

New Beginnings Ahead

Amanpour, 68, will start to reduce her workload by scaling back her signature show on CNN International to a weekly format beginning in early 2027. The final episode of the program is scheduled for May, with her official departure from CNN set for the end of June.

In his letter, Thompson noted that this decision was not made lightly. "Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months," he stated. While he expressed his sadness over her departure, Thompson acknowledged that this change seems to be the right move for her at this stage of her life.

A Legacy of Journalism

Throughout her time at CNN, Amanpour has been a pivotal figure in journalism, covering significant international conflicts and crises that have shaped recent history. Her reports have included major events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Bosnian War, the Gulf War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan following 9/11.

Her extensive career also includes coverage of the Arab Spring, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Israel’s ongoing struggles in Gaza. Amanpour has interviewed a host of prominent leaders, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, showcasing her ability to engage with influential figures on critical global issues.

Gratitude and Reflection

In her own statement about leaving CNN and PBS, where she hosts “Amanpour & Company,” Amanpour expressed her gratitude for the talented colleagues she collaborated with throughout her career. She highlighted their collective mission to uncover the truth and broadcast vital information across the world.

“We together battled to seek the facts, the evidence and the humanity, so that CNN could always broadcast the truth about the world and to the world, without fear or favor,” she stated, reflecting on her fulfilling professional journey.

Changes in Corporate Structure

Amanpour’s departure comes in the wake of significant changes within CNN's corporate structure. Paramount Skydance has recently taken over Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN. Despite these shifts, Mark Thompson will continue to lead CNN, now reporting directly to the co-CEOs of Skydance, David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz.