Jelili Gbadamosi
Veteran international journalist Christiane Amanpour is set to leave CNN in June 2027 after 43 years with the global news network, bringing an end to a career marked by coverage of major conflicts and political developments across the world.
Amanpour, 68, announced her decision on Monday, saying she had spent several months reflecting on her future before deciding to part ways with the broadcaster.
In her statement, she described CNN as her partner for 43 years and expressed optimism about pursuing new professional opportunities after her departure.
“After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!” she said.
Despite her planned exit, Amanpour reaffirmed her support for the network’s commitment to independent journalism, adding that she intended to remain supportive of its work.
“I look forward to interesting new projects down the line, and will always be rooting for CNN and maintaining its history of independent journalism,” she said.
She also offered a message reflecting her approach to journalism, stating: “Remember: always be truthful, not neutral.”
CNN chairman Mark Thompson confirmed her departure in a memo to staff, revealing that discussions about her future with the network had been ongoing for several months.
Thompson said he was saddened by the decision but had accepted that it was the right move for Amanpour, both personally and professionally.
Amanpour joined CNN in the early 1980s as a news assistant before rising through the ranks to become one of the network’s most recognisable international correspondents.
Her career has included reporting from conflict zones and covering some of the world’s most significant events, including the Gulf War, the Bosnian War and the genocide in Rwanda.
She also reported from Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine and Iran, earning recognition for her coverage of wars, humanitarian crises and international affairs.
Beyond frontline reporting, Amanpour has interviewed prominent world leaders and political figures, building a reputation for rigorous questioning and in-depth examination of global issues.
Since 2009, she has hosted CNN’s international interview programme, Amanpour. The programme is expected to move to a weekly schedule in January 2027 before ending in May of the same year.
She will, however, continue travelling and reporting on assignments for CNN until her planned departure in June 2027.
Her public television programme, Amanpour & Company, which airs on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States, is also scheduled to end in December 2026.
Amanpour briefly left CNN in 2010 to anchor ABC News’ This Week, succeeding George Stephanopoulos, before returning to CNN.
Her departure will mark the conclusion of more than four decades at a network where she established herself as a leading voice in international journalism.
Although she has not detailed her next professional steps, Amanpour said she looked forward to exploring new projects while continuing to support independent journalism.
