Christiane Amanpour to Leave CNN After 43 Years

Veteran international journalist Christiane Amanpour has announced that she will leave CNN in June 2027, bringing an end to her 43-year career with the global news network.

Amanpour, 68, disclosed her decision in a statement on Monday, October 19, 2026, saying she had spent several months reflecting on the decision before deciding to end her long-standing relationship with the organisation.

“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.

Despite her departure, Amanpour expressed her continued support for CNN and its commitment to independent journalism. She also indicated that she would pursue new projects after leaving the network.

“I look 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,” she added.

Amanpour is widely recognised for her international reporting, particularly her coverage of wars, political crises and major global events. She has built a reputation as one of the most prominent foreign correspondents in broadcast journalism.

Since 2009, she has hosted her own nightly interview programme on CNN International, where she has interviewed influential political leaders and other notable personalities from around the world.

In January 2025, Amanpour reduced her hosting schedule to a few days each week. From January 2027, her programme will move to a weekly broadcast before ending in May of the same year. She will, however, continue reporting for CNN and travelling internationally until her departure in June 2027.

CNN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Thompson informed staff members of her decision in a memo on Monday. He said he had been discussing the matter with Amanpour for several months and acknowledged that her departure would be a significant loss for the organisation.

Thompson described her as “one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere,” adding that CNN would take time to celebrate her achievements before she leaves next year.

He also thanked her for her decades of service, professionalism and commitment to the network.

“On behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I want to thank Christiane for 43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship,” Thompson wrote.

In her farewell statement, Amanpour also paid tribute to the colleagues, production teams and field crews who worked alongside her throughout her career.

She recalled covering major international conflicts and humanitarian crises, including the First Gulf War, the Bosnian War, the genocide in Rwanda, the wars in Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as events in Iran.

According to her, the teamwork and shared commitment to uncovering the truth were among the most important aspects of her career.

Amanpour said she and her colleagues worked to establish the facts, present evidence and highlight the human impact of events, ensuring that CNN reported global developments without fear or favour.

Her departure from CNN also comes as another of her television programmes prepares to end. Her PBS programme, Amanpour & Company, is scheduled to conclude in December 2026.

However, she will continue working on her podcast, The Ex Files, which she co-hosts with her former husband, Jamie Rubin. The podcast is produced by Global.

Although Amanpour is preparing to leave CNN, her announcement signals that she intends to remain active in journalism and explore other professional opportunities beyond the network.

CNN is expected to celebrate her contributions before her departure, marking the end of a career that has taken her to some of the world’s most significant conflict zones and major news events.