CNN’s chief international anchor, Christiane Amanpour, has announced plans to leave the network in June 2027, ending a 43-year career with the broadcaster marked by coverage of major international conflicts and political developments.
Amanpour, 68, announced her decision today, saying that she had spent months considering the move before deciding to end her long-standing relationship with CNN. “After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!” she said in a statement.
She said that she was looking forward to new opportunities while continuing to support CNN and its tradition of independent journalism. “Remember: always be truthful, not neutral,” Amanpour added.
The veteran journalist also expressed gratitude to the colleagues, programme teams and field crews who had supported her throughout her career, highlighting their role in covering some of the world’s most consequential events.
Amanpour Reflects On Decades Of International Reporting
In her statement, Amanpour thanked “all the amazingly talented people I’ve worked with throughout this incredible journey,” particularly her programme teams and field crews.
She recalled reporting on conflicts and humanitarian crises across several regions; the First Gulf War and continuing through the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran.
“From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran and all the points in between, it’s the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much.”
Christiane Amanpour
She added that their collective work centred on establishing facts, gathering evidence and conveying the human consequences of events around the world.
“As 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 nor favor.”
Christiane Amanpour
A globally recognised foreign correspondent, Amanpour has hosted her eponymous nightly interview programme on CNN International since 2009, interviewing prominent political figures and covering major international developments.
She reduced her presenting schedule in January 2025, moving to hosting the programme a few days each week. From January 2027, the programme will air once a week until it concludes in May.
Amanpour will continue reporting and travelling for CNN until June 2027, when she is expected to sign off from the network.
CNN Chairman Mark Thompson informed colleagues of her decision in a memo, confirming that the decision had been discussed over several months.
“Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months.
“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.”
Mark Thompson
Thompson described Amanpour as “one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere” and said the network would take time to celebrate her contribution before her departure.
“In the meantime, on behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I want to thank Christiane for 43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship.”
Mark Thompson
PBS Programme To End As Amanpour Continues Podcast
Amanpour’s departure from CNN comes as her other broadcasting commitments also undergo changes.
Her PBS programme, Amanpour & Company, is scheduled to end in December. The programme has provided a platform for interviews and discussions on international affairs and public issues.
Despite the planned conclusion of the television programme, Amanpour said that she would continue her podcast, The Ex Files, which she co-hosts with her former husband, Jamie Rubin. The podcast is produced by Global.
She has not provided details of all the projects she intends to pursue after leaving CNN but said she looked forward to “interesting new projects down the line.”
Her departure will bring to a close a 43-year association with CNN, during which she became widely known for reporting from conflict zones and examining major political and humanitarian developments.
CNN leadership has indicated that the network will celebrate her contributions before she leaves in June 2027.
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