CNN’s chief international anchor, Christiane Amanpour, is set to leave the network in June 2027 after 43 years, bringing an end to one of the most storied careers in international journalism.
Amanpour announced the decision in a statement on Monday, saying she had spent months considering the move.
“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.
The 68-year-old veteran journalist said she looks forward to new challenges, adding that she “looks forward to interesting new projects down the line and will always be rooting for CNN and maintaining its history of independent journalism. Remember: always be truthful, not neutral”.
Amanpour, a household name worldwide for her work as a foreign correspondent, has hosted an eponymous nightly interview program on CNN International since 2009. In January 2025, she scaled back to hosting a few days a week. Under the transition plan, she will shift the program to once a week in January 2027 until it ends in May, and will continue reporting and traveling for the network through June.
CNN Chairman Mark Thompson shared the news with staff in a memo on Monday morning.
“Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months,” Thompson wrote. “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”.
Thompson described Amanpour as “one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere” and said the network will take time to celebrate her before she departs next year.
In her statement, Amanpour also paid tribute to colleagues, saying she wanted to thank “all the amazingly talented people I’ve worked with throughout this incredible journey. Especially my beloved show teams and field crews”.
