Christiane Amanpour to Exit CNN in June 2027 After 43-Year Tenure
Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor, announced on October 19, 2026, that she will leave the network at the end of June 2027 after 43 years. Her eponymous nightly interview program will conclude in May 2027, while her PBS show, 'Amanpour & Company,' will end in December 2026. CNN CEO Mark Thompson confirmed the decision was mutual and discussed for months. Amanpour cited 'unprecedented pressures' and a commitment to independent journalism, though no direct link to new ownership was confirmed.
Key points
- Amanpour, 68, will scale back her CNN International show to once a week in January 2027 before it ends in May.
- She will continue reporting and traveling for CNN through June 2027.
- Her PBS program, 'Amanpour & Company,' will conclude in December 2026.
- She plans to continue her podcast, 'The Ex Files,' with ex-husband Jamie Rubin.
- CNN CEO Mark Thompson described her as 'one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere' and confirmed months of discussions preceded the decision.
Background
Amanpour joined CNN in 1983 as an assistant on the international assignment desk. She has covered major conflicts including the Gulf War, Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iran. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021. Her departure follows Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which merged CNN and CBS under Skydance CEO David Ellison.
How outlets are covering it
Fox News emphasized Amanpour’s past controversies, including her 2020 comparison of the Trump presidency to Kristallnacht and her 2023 comments on the Israel-Hamas war, while noting her exit is the first major departure under new ownership. CNN highlighted her legacy and the mutual nature of the decision, with Thompson praising her 'remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship.' The Guardian focused on her concerns about 'unprecedented pressures' and the network’s future under Ellison’s ownership, noting her statement about 'rooting for CNN maintaining its history of independent journalism.' All sources agree on the timeline and the mutual nature of the decision, but differ in emphasis: Fox on criticism, CNN on legacy, and The Guardian on ownership concerns.
Why it matters
Amanpour’s departure marks a significant shift for CNN, a network now under new ownership by Paramount Skydance. Her exit raises questions about editorial independence and the future of CNN’s international journalism brand. Her decision may signal broader concerns among journalists about the network’s direction under Ellison’s leadership, which also includes CBS News.
What to watch
Amanpour will continue reporting for CNN through June 2027. Her CNN International show will end in May 2027, and her PBS show will end in December 2026. She plans to continue her podcast, 'The Ex Files,' and has indicated 'interesting new projects down the line.' CNN will likely announce a successor for her role and may hold a celebration for her tenure.
- Veteran CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour announces exit from network, will go off the air next June Fox News
- Christiane Amanpour announces she will leave CNN next June CNN
- Longtime CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour leaving network after a storied career of 43 years PBS
- Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after four decades as Ellison era begins Reuters
- Christiane Amanpour announces she’s leaving CNN after 43 years The Guardian
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