Christiane Amanpour will depart CNN next year, with plans to scale back her schedule at the end of this year before exiting in June.
The network’s chief international anchor wrote in a memo to staffers, “After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!”
She added, “From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukrain and Iran and all the points in between, it’s the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much, as we together battled to seek the facts, the evidence and the humanity, so that CNN could always broadcast the truth about the world and to the world, without fear nor favor.”
Amanpour also said that she would end her PBS show, Amanpour & Company, by the end of this year, along with her daily CNN International series. She will maintain a weekly CNN show through May, she said. She said that she will continue to do a podcast, The Ex Files, a Global production.
Mark Thompson, chairman and editor in chief of the network, wrote in a memo, “Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months. 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 departure comes amid the closing earlier this month of Skydance Paramount’s deal to acquire CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Thompson is remained in place as leader of the network, while Skydance CEO David Ellison has promised editorial independence.
Amanpour has been outspoken about coverage of Donald Trump. In 2023, she publicly criticized the network’s town hall with Trump as he was campaigning for a return to the White House. Amanpour said that she shared her views with then-CEO Chris Licht. In her note to staffers on Monday, she wrote, “Remember: always be truthful, not neutral.”
Amanpour’s complete memo below:
“After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!
I will end my daily shows across CNN and PBS at the end of this year, while continuing to maintain a weekly show on CNN through May and working on a smooth transition through June.
I want to thank all the amazingly talented people I’ve worked with throughout this incredible journey. Especially my beloved show teams and field crews.
From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukrain and Iran and all the points in between, it’s the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much, as we together battled to seek the facts, the evidence and the humanity, so that CNN could always broadcast the truth about the world and to the world, without fear nor favor.
I will be continuing my successful podcast the Ex-Files with Global and 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.”
Thompson’s note to staffers:
Dear all,
I’m writing today with news about a CNN icon – and our dear friend and colleague – Christiane Amanpour.
After more than 43 years at CNN, Christiane has decided that the time is right to begin a new chapter. Early in 2027, she will scale back her CNN International show, Amanpour, to once a week. The program will conclude in May, and she will leave CNN at the end of June.
Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months. 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.
Christiane has been a household name around the world for decades. Yet she began more than 40 years ago not as one of the biggest stars in CNN’s history, but as a news desk assistant in our Atlanta newsroom. Famously, one of her bosses told her back then that she didn’t have what it took to become a foreign correspondent – or to hold any on-air role at all. Boy, did she prove him wrong!
It would be impossible to list all of her reporting triumphs, exclusive interviews, awards and broadcasting firsts, or the many other accomplishments that have made her one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere. We will make sure to share and celebrate them all before she departs next year.
In the meantime, on behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I want to thank Christiane for 43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship.
Mark