Viewers of CNN have grown used to the steady presence of Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour over the course of 43 action-packed years. Her easygoing style and quietly knowledgeable demeanor inspired public confidence for decades. Now, however, that era is finally coming to a close. On Monday, October 19, Amanpour, 68, announced that she plans to exit the cable news network in June of next year, according to CNN.
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In a statement, she observed, "After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!"She continued 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."
A CNN Executive Warmly Lauded Her
Mark Thompson, the chairman of CNN, recognized Christiane Amanpour's immense value, talent and achievements in a memo on Monday. He feels that the timing of her departure is appropriate. Thompson wrote, "Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months, 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."
He also called her "one of the most rusted and beloved journalists anywhere." Thompson also mentioned that "on behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I want to thank Christiane for 43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship."
She Intrepidly Roamed the Globe Searching for the News and the Truth
During her peripatetic career, Amanpour energetically traveled the world. "covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran and all the points in between," she wrote.
Starting in January, her CNN International interview program, which airs nightly, will be reduced to once weekly. It will wrap for good in May. She also hosts CNN's The Amanpour Hour on Saturday. Amanpour will continue her duties for the network until mid-2027. Furthermore, she hosts Amanpour & Company on PBS. That program will reportedly cease at the end of 2026.
Born in London, Christiane Amanpour has earned numerous prestigious professional awards. They include several News & Documentary Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, a George Polk Award, and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
