Longtime CNN anchor announces departure after 43 years — real reason revealed

Christiane Amanpour is stepping away from CNN after more than four decades with the network.

The veteran journalist, 68, is renowned as an institution not just with the network itself, but also in the field of journalism as an international correspondent.

She first joined CNN's foreign desk in Atlanta in 1983, with her first major assignment being the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). She served as the network's Chief International Correspondent from 1992 to 2010, then leaving CNN for ABC. After two years at ABC, she returned to CNN, where she will remain until 2027.

Christiane Amanpour's statement

Per CNN, Christiane shared a telling statement about her decision to leave. "After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!"

While she didn't confirm what would come next, she added 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."

Christiane expressed her gratitude to "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, Ukraine 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."

CNN's statement about Christiane's departure

CNN Chairman Mark Thompson issued a memo to the newsroom on Monday morning, which read: "After more than 43 years at CNN, Christiane has decided that the time is right to begin a new chapter."

"Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months," he 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."

Noting that the network intends to "celebrate" her before her departure, his memo concluded: "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."

When does Christiane leave CNN?

Christiane's nightly interview program, Amanpour, which began in 2009, will be scaled back to airing just once a week in January 2027, which will continue until May. The journalist will also continue as the network's Chief International Anchor until June 2027.

Christiane's show with PBS, Amanpour & Company, will conclude in December 2026. However, her podcast, Christiane Amanpour Presents The Ex-Files, which she hosts with ex-husband James Rubin on Global, will continue.

Her departure comes in the wake of the network's new ownership, Skydance Corporation, which recently acquired Warner Bros. Discovery. The company has drawn particular controversy for its CEO David Ellison's handling of the CBS News umbrella, especially under Bari Weiss' leadership.