Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN next June after 43 years

Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor, said on Monday that she will leave the network next 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 a statement.

Amanpour, 68, said 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.”

Amanpour, known around the world for her courage as a foreign correspondent, has hosted her namesake nightly interview show on CNN International since 2009.

She cut back to a few days a week in January 2025. In January 2027 the programme moves to once a week until it ends in May, and she will keep reporting and travelling for CNN through June.

CNN chairman Mark Thompson told colleagues about her decision in a memo on Monday morning.

“Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months,” Thompson 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.”

Thompson called her “one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere” and said the network would take time to celebrate her “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,”