'Always be truthful, not neutral': CNN's chief int'l anchor Christiane Amanpour to leave network

Veteran international affairs correspondent and CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour will leave the network next June, she announced Monday, after 43 years in broadcast journalism.

“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 emphasized that her departure does not mark her retirement, but rather a transition to new opportunities.

She 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.”

Reflecting on her decades at the network, Amanpour recalled covering some of the world's most significant conflicts and the colleagues who worked alongside her.

“From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran and all the points in between, it’s the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much,” she said, “as we together battled to seek the facts, the evidence and the humanity, so that CNN could always broadcast the truth about the world and to the world, without fear nor favor.”

CNN chairman Mark Thompson responds to Amanpour's departure

CNN chairman Mark Thompson announced Amanpour's decision in a memo to staff 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 described Amanpour as “one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere” and said the network would take time to celebrate her career before her departure 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,” he wrote.

Amanpour looks ahead to new projects post-CNN

Amanpour has hosted her namesake nightly interview program on CNN International since 2009.

She also confirmed that she will continue co-hosting "The Ex Files," a podcast produced by Global, alongside her former husband, Jamie Rubin.