Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after 43 years

Christiane Amanpour, one of CNN’s most revered journalists, has announced she will leave the network after 43 years, with her final broadcast scheduled for June 2027 ^[1]. The 68-year-old chief international anchor will conclude her nightly show, Amanpour, in May and step down at the end of June, following a career spanning conflicts from the Gulf War to Ukraine and Iran ^[3]. She also hosts Amanpour and Company for PBS, which will end at the end of 2026.

In a statement, Amanpour said she made the decision after 'many months of thought and a few sleepless nights', praising the 'camaraderie' of her teams and urging colleagues to 'always be truthful, not neutral' ^[1]. Her exit comes amid the recent acquisition of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, by David Ellison’s Skydance Media, which has sparked unease among some staff ^[2].

While CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson confirmed Amanpour had discussed the move with him for months and described her as 'one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere', he also noted it was the 'right time' for her personally and professionally ^[6]. Amanpour has been open about her ongoing treatment for ovarian cancer, diagnosed in 2021 and which recurred in 2025, leading her to scale back her schedule ^[2].

Speculation has swirled over whether her departure is tied to Skydance’s ownership. Amanpour expressed concern in May about Ellison’s influence, citing changes at CBS News under his leadership and questioning the future of independent journalism ^[2]. However, this connection has not been confirmed by CNN or Amanpour herself. Some media sources suggest financial pressures or her high salary may play a role, but no official details have been released.

Amanpour will continue her podcast, The Ex Files, and has expressed interest in new projects ^[1]. Her legacy includes landmark reporting from war zones and interviews with global leaders, cementing her as a defining voice in international journalism ^[6].