Christiane Amanpour To Leave CNN In 2027 After 43 Years With Network

Christiane Amanpour will depart CNN next year, with plans to scale back her schedule at the end of this year before exiting in June.

She wrote in a memo to staffers, “From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukrain and Iran and all the points in between, it’s the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much, 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.”

Amanpour also said that she would end her PBS show by the end of this year, along with her daily CNN series. She will maintain a weekly CNN show through May, she said.

Mark Thompson, chairman and editor in chief of the network, wrote in a memo, “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.”

Amanpour’s departure comes amid the closing earlier this month of Skydance Paramount’s deal to acquire CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Thompson is remained in place as leader of the network, while Skydance CEO David Ellison has promised editorial independence.

Amanpour has been outspoken about coverage of Donald Trump. In 2023, she publicly criticized the network’s town hall with Trump as he was campaigning for a return to the White House. Amanpour said that she shared her views with then-CEO Chris Licht. In her note to staffers on Monday, she wrote, “Remember: always be truthful, not neutral.”

Amanpour’s complete memo below:

“After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!

I will end my daily shows across CNN and PBS at the end of this year, while continuing to maintain a weekly show on CNN through May and working on a smooth transition through June.

I want to thank all the amazingly talented people I’ve worked with throughout this incredible journey. Especially my beloved show teams and field crews.

From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukrain and Iran and all the points in between, it’s the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much, 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.

I will be continuing my successful podcast the Ex-Files with Global and look 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.”