Christiane Amanpour to Exit CNN in 2027 After Over Four Decades

Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor, said she will reduce her on-air duties at the end of 2024 and depart the network in June 2027. In a memo to staff, she wrote, "After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 years. I will end my daily shows across CNN and PBS at the end of this year, while continuing a weekly show through May and working on a smooth transition through June."

Amanpour also announced that her PBS program, Amanpour & Company, and her daily CNN International series will conclude by the end of the year, though she will keep a weekly CNN show until May and continue her podcast The Ex-Files.

Mark Thompson, chairman and editor-in-chief of CNN, responded in a separate memo, "Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months. 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."

The announcement follows the recent acquisition of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, by Skydance Paramount. Skydance CEO David Ellison has pledged to maintain editorial independence at the network.

Amanpour, who began her career as an assistant on CNN’s international assignment desk, has reported from major conflicts including the Gulf War, Bosnia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran, and has conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders. She has previously hosted This Week on ABC News before returning to CNN.

In her note, Amanpour emphasized the importance of factual reporting, stating, "Remember: always be truthful, not neutral."