Christiane Amanpour to Leave CNN After Over 43 Years

Veteran CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour will leave the network next summer after over four decades. CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced, “After more than 43 years at CNN, Christiane has decided that the time is right to begin a new chapter.” She will reduce her CNN International show, ‘Amanpour,’ to once a week starting early in 2027, concluding the program in May, with her departure at the end of June.

Thompson shared with staff, “Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months. Like many at CNN, I’m very sorry to see her go.”

Amanpour expressed gratitude to her viewers and highlighted the challenges faced by journalists. During an on-air address, she stated, “I’ve always been fiercely independent, and I will continue to be that for you as long as I am here and beyond. Facing unprecedented pressures from political, financial, and rising field dangers, I’ll always support CNN’s commitment to independent journalism.” She reminded viewers, “Always be truthful, not neutral.”

“Both-siderism — on the one hand, on the other hand — is not always objectivity. It does not get you to the truth,”

Amanpour told graduates at the Columbia Journalism School in 2023. Emphasizing the importance of objectivity, she stated that drawing false equivalences does not serve the truth. Her recent coverage of sensitive topics like the Israel-Hamas conflict has drawn attention and criticism. After controversy over remarks about a murder case and comparisons of events to Kristallnacht, she walked back some of her statements.

Though Amanpour is highly respected by her colleagues, her style has its critics. Her strong opinions and rejection of neutrality in journalism are notable. Her leaving CNN coincides with the company’s transition under new ownership by Skydance CEO and Paramount owner David Ellison.

Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.