Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor and one of the most recognizable faces in global journalism, plans to leave the network in June 2027 after a tenure spanning 43 years. Amanpour, 68, announced her decision in a statement released on Monday, bringing her decades-long role as a foreign correspondent and international interviewer to a close.
Under her planned transition schedule, Amanpour will conclude her daily programming at the end of the year, before moving her flagship CNN International program to a weekly format in January 2027. The program will finish its run entirely in May 2027, and she will continue reporting and traveling internationally for the network through June.
“After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!” Amanpour said in her statement. She added that she looks forward to pursuing new projects and stated, “Remember: always be truthful, not neutral.”
A Historic Career at CNN
Amanpour’s journey with CNN began in 1983 when she was hired as a news desk assistant in the network’s Atlanta newsroom, just three years after the network launched. In a memo to staffers, CNN chairman Mark Thompson recalled that an early boss told Amanpour she did not have what it took to become a foreign correspondent or hold an on-air role. “Boy, did she prove him wrong!” Thompson wrote.
By 1990, Amanpour had transitioned into her role as an international correspondent. Her breakthrough came while covering the Persian Gulf War, followed by decades of reporting from the front lines of major global conflicts, including the Bosnian War, the Rwandan genocide, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Ukraine.
Over the years, she has interviewed numerous global leaders, presidents, and prime ministers. Her signature interview program launched on CNN International in 2009. She also briefly worked for ABC News as the moderator of This Week in 2010 before returning to CNN in 2012. Additionally, she has hosted Amanpour & Company on PBS since 2018, which is also scheduled to conclude at the end of December.
Leadership Response and Corporate Changes
Mark Thompson expressed deep appreciation for Amanpour’s contributions and longevity at the network in his message to employees.
“Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months,” Thompson said in his memo. “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.”
Amanpour’s upcoming departure follows a gradual reduction in her television schedule. She scaled back her presenting duties to a few days a week in January 2025.
Her exit arrives during a period of transition for CNN’s parent company following its acquisition by Skydance. Amanpour has previously spoken out regarding newsroom leadership and editorial direction across the media landscape, emphasizing the fundamental importance of maintaining independent journalism.
Future Endeavors
As she prepares for her final months at the network, Amanpour indicated that she plans to focus on new creative endeavors. She will continue co-hosting her independent podcast, The Ex-Files, alongside her former husband, Jamie Rubin, a former U.S. State Department official.
Reflecting on her decades in the field, Amanpour thanked the production crews, field teams, and colleagues who accompanied her across the globe.
- Began career at CNN in 1983 as a news desk assistant.
- Covered major global conflicts including the Gulf War, Bosnia, and Ukraine.
- Hosted flagship international programming for over 15 years.
- Plans to officially depart the network in June 2027.
“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,” Amanpour noted, praising their shared dedication to broadcasting the truth without fear or favor.
