Christiane Amanpour to Exit CNN in June 2027 After 43-Year Tenure
Christiane Amanpour, CNN's chief international anchor, has announced she will leave the network at the end of June 2027 after 43 years. Her eponymous nightly interview program will conclude in May 2027, and her PBS show, 'Amanpour & Company,' will end in December 2026. CNN Chairman Mark Thompson confirmed the decision was mutual and discussed for months. Amanpour cited concerns about the network's future under new ownership by David Ellison's Paramount Skydance, which also owns CBS News.
Key points
- Amanpour will depart CNN at the end of June 2027, ending a 43-year tenure that began in 1983.
- Her daily interview program will scale back to weekly episodes in January 2027 and end in May 2027.
- Her PBS program, 'Amanpour & Company,' will conclude in December 2026.
- CNN Chairman Mark Thompson described the departure as a mutual decision discussed for months.
- Amanpour expressed concerns about an 'ideological realignment' at CBS News, owned by Paramount Skydance, which is taking over CNN.
- She plans to continue her podcast, 'The Ex Files,' with ex-husband Jamie Rubin, produced by Global.
Background
Amanpour joined CNN in 1983 as an assistant on the international news desk and became one of the network's most recognizable correspondents, covering conflicts in the Gulf, Bosnia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iran. She has hosted her eponymous nightly interview program on CNN International since 2009. Her departure follows the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, which has raised concerns about editorial independence at CNN.
How outlets are covering it
The Washington Post highlighted Amanpour's May speech expressing concern about the Paramount Skydance takeover and the 'ideological realignment' at CBS News. CNN and BBC focused on the mutual nature of the decision, with CNN Chairman Mark Thompson describing it as the 'right time' for Amanpour, both personally and professionally. All three outlets reported the same timeline for her departure and the end of her PBS program. The Washington Post emphasized the connection to the Paramount Skydance takeover, while CNN and BBC focused more on the personal and professional aspects of the decision.
Why it matters
Amanpour's departure marks the end of an era for CNN and raises questions about the future of independent journalism at the network under new ownership. Her concerns about the 'ideological realignment' at CBS News, owned by the same company taking over CNN, suggest potential changes in editorial direction at CNN. Her departure also highlights the impact of media consolidation on veteran journalists and the news industry.
What to watch
Amanpour will continue reporting and traveling for CNN through June 2027. Her eponymous program will end in May 2027, and her PBS show will end in December 2026. She plans to continue her podcast, 'The Ex Files,' and is looking forward to 'interesting new projects down the line.' CNN has said it will take time to celebrate her before she departs.
- Christiane Amanpour is leaving CNN after 43 years The Washington Post
- Christiane Amanpour Says She Is Leaving CNN After 43 Years The New York Times
- Christiane Amanpour announces she will leave CNN next June CNN
- CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour to leave network after 43 years BBC
- Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after four decades as Ellison era begins Reuters
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