Christiane Amanpour to Leave CNN After 43 Years

Christiane Amanpour will leave CNN in June after working at the media company for 43 years, following a long career that began as a news assistant on the foreign desk.

Details and Background

In a statement issued Monday, Amanpour said she made the choice after many months of thought and a few sleepless nights. She plans to end her daily shows across CNN and PBS at the end of this year, while keeping a weekly show on CNN through May and helping with a smooth transition through June. She also noted plans to work on an independent podcast called "Ex-Files" and stated that she looks forward to new projects while always rooting for CNN. Now 68 years old, Amanpour started as a news assistant before taking on a globe-trotting role for the network. She built her reputation by covering conflicts in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan after securing a role in eastern Europe in 1986, and served as CNN's chief international correspondent from 1992 to 2010. She briefly left CNN in 2010 to host "The Week" on ABC News before returning in 2012. Since 2009, she has hosted an evening program for CNN's international channel, and since 2017, she has hosted "Amanpour & Company" for PBS.

Leadership Reaction

CNN CEO Mark Thompson stated that Amanpour considered the decision carefully and that they discussed it for some months. Thompson added that he is very sorry to see her go but accepts it is the right time for her personally and professionally. Her exit comes at a time when CNN is under the control of a new owner, Skydance, which faces billions of dollars in debt and questions about potential shifts in news operations.

Context

Long-serving television journalists often transition out of daily broadcasting after decades on air to pursue independent media projects, podcasts, or advisory roles. Major ownership changes in media companies frequently coincide with shifts in top talent lineups and operational strategies as new management steps in. Amanpour remains closely linked to the global reporting brand she helped build through decades of conflict and international news coverage.